Well, what goals do you have for 2021? If you were going to narrow down your list to three things you wanted to do differently or to be different once 2021 was over, how would your list read? Weight loss, more books read, finish a degree, stronger marriage, more time with family, a vacation?
Not to cast judgment or to make anyone feel guilty, but do you think Paul had New Year’s resolutions? On the Morning Dive, we have been in the book of Acts the past several days reading about Paul’s missionary journeys. When you read the book of Acts you might miss the part about timelines. It reads like Paul is just jumping city to city, a day here and a day there, but when you slow down and read it, you realize that he is spending significant periods of time in these cities preaching the Gospel. And as he does this, do you think he slowed down to assess the previous year’s work and set new goals for the next?
I’m guessing not. I’m guessing Paul was simply on a mission to share the gospel. He didn’t care what year it was, he didn’t seem to tabulate converts or new members, he simply carried the simple message of the gospel to a lost and dying world.
In Philippians chapter one, Paul writes, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Paul goes on to say that his prayers are that the people of Philippi will grow in their knowledge and understanding, and that “(he) wants them to understand what really matters…” so they can live blameless and pure lives.
What really matters? What matters is that we have accepted Jesus and that we share that message so more and more people will come to know what really matters and accept Jesus, as well. And surrendering to Jesus will lead to blameless and pure lives. Not perfect lives, but redeemed, sanctified, God-honoring lives. Whatever you choose to set as goals, let’s make growing in our understanding and knowledge of Jesus our perpetual New Year’s resolution. In other words, let’s never stop journeying with Jesus.