A new year often calls for new resolutions. Did you know that the number one resolution is weight loss. Millions will make commitments to eat less cake. Millions will make commitments to improve their lives through less or adding more! I’m amazed at how many self-help books there are published each year. We seem to be obsessed with ourselves and advertisers know that. Perhaps that’s why we see so many commercials about self improvement. We seem to be a culture obsessed with self!
We live in a very self-centered world. It seems as though that anything that is of significant value we tend to possess and take an inward consideration. Even in our spiritual development we are often encouraged to personal growth. We are invited to more Bible studies or to take on spiritual habits yet my call today is perhaps quite the opposite as I reflect upon this new year and making resolutions.
Churches across America undoubtedly preached a sermon related to mission or vision or even making a new year resolution. Likely churches preach on the importance of discipleship and personal growth. This is an all bad however I wonder if this truly is what God expects of us.
Obviously we need to be a follower of the Lord, Jesus Christ and further be equipped for every good work but that essentially may be my point. I read often that God is calling us to live out our faith not develop an inner presence alone. It seems to me that I am challenged to go beyond myself and that discipleship has an impact in the world which I occupy.
It is often alarming for me to hear about Christians who are seeking to improve their inner life and spiritual walk yet take little to no action to apply their faith. So often, I am surprised at how many self-centered Christians I encounter that focus on their own personal faith and yet have little compassion for others. is not our faith intended to give us a heart for the lost in the least?
If I am to understand discipleship I must understand it in the context of my out reach and care for others. If I am to be a follower of Jesus Christ, shouldn’t I follow his example? Jesus spent his time healing the sick and comforting the lost and weary. Jesus was accused of spending his time with sinners!
One of the books that I love to read over and over is the book of James out of the Bible. It is filled with practical theology. It challenges me to be active in my faith and it is often confronting me with the needs of the orphan in the widow. Verse after verse in this relatively small book of the Bible I am presented with the biggest challenge to my growth as a disciple. I am asked to lead a selfless life not a selfish one. I am encouraged to love others!
So perhaps my New Year’s resolution is not only an inward faith and personal devotion but moreover, to make a difference in this world by selfless acts of kindness and goodness for God’s glory. it is interesting to me that the more that I demonstrate compassion and love for my neighbor, the more that I personally develop my relationship with the Lord. The strongest faith is an active faith that reaches out to others in need.
Any opportunity that I have to go out and witness and share my faith I am encouraged and strengthened in my own walk with the Lord as well. Every time I go to prison to visit those who are coming to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the more that my faith is challenged and strengthened. The greater emphasis on praying for others somehow ignites my own faith and strengthens my own understanding of God‘s grace in my life.
So my resolution this year is to not just be a disciple who absorbs all that I can for myself but rather, my resolution is to reach out and demonstrate love and compassion. I believe that my journey is strengthened as I reach out and care for others.
