Some Spiritual New Years Resolutions

Jeremy Northrop

      As you well know, 2005 is now history. 2006 has recently begun and with it so have many new years resolutions. I have already heard some talk of how they plan to eat better, exercise, and try to be healthy this year. Others may have decided to try and write those they love or spend more time with the kids. In any event, with the passing of time often times comes new goals or resolutions. The start of a new year is a popular time to put these goals in place. Many of the principles which need to be applied in order to have a good physical body need to also be applied for a good spiritual outlook. Therefore, this also becomes a good time to make some spiritual new years resolutions. Here are some suggestions.

READ THE BIBLE THROUGH THIS YEAR

      Many may already have this practice and a good practice it is. In 1Timothy 4:13, the Bible says, “Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” Paul was encouraging Timothy to make sure that he spent time reading. He commanded that the letter of 1Thessalonians be read (1Thessalonians 5:27). In order for the New Testament writers to be able to quote the Old Testament like they did, they would have had to spend a large amount of time reading the Old Testament. The closer we come to God, the further we are from the devil and his temptations. Therefore, it seems logical that each of us determine to spend time reading the word of God this year. There are daily Bible reading schedules in the foyer to help in this noble goal. Just about 15 minutes a day is all it will take. It is not too late to start.

PRAY MORE OFTEN THIS YEAR

      The passages are all too familiar to many of us. Paul said, “pray without ceasing” (1Thessalonians 5:17). Jesus spent the night in prayer (Luke 6:12). Jesus prayed for so many different groups of people, including you and me in John 17. Paul beseeched the brethren in Thessalonica saying, “Brethren, pray for us” (1Thessalonians 5:25). There are a vast number of times when Paul mentions to various churches and individuals that he is praying for them. These commands and examples are evidence that we too need to be spending large amounts of time in prayer. Every service we have a long list it seems of people who are close to us and need our prayers. Let us all make time each year to spend time in prayer to God. These two things — reading the Bible and praying to God — will help improve our individual relationships with God.

ATTEND EVERY SERVICE

      The writer of the book of Hebrews said it well when he said, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25). Some try to say that the only service which is required is the Sunday morning service but I still do not see that in the context of this passage. It seems to me, if we can attend and do not attend, then we are forsaking the assembly.

      The assembly accomplishes many different things. It is an opportunity to worship God, the Creator (John 4:24). It is a chance to encourage the saints (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16). It is an opportunity to learn more about the will of God. Thus, it is a wonder to me why someone would not want to be there.

CHOOSE TO BE INVOLVED

      In the book of Acts, there is recorded a model of the first-century church. There were no ‘pew-warmers’ or people who were not involved in the work of the church. There are so many things going on this year. As usual, we will be having our homecoming day in April (Nathan Guy will be the speaker). We will have a gospel meeting in July with Stephen Guy, Nathan’s father. Plans are already underway for another joint gospel meeting in October. The Bible classes will need teachers. The youth group will have devotionals and their annual youth rally. There will be different events for the ladies. On and on and on the list can go. This year, choose to be involved in more of the work of the church. Do not assume that someone else will do it and that the work does not need you.

SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH ONE PERSON THIS YEAR

      We all have friends who are not members of the church. There is someone in each of our lives whom we would like to see be converted. In Matthew 14:28-33, the Bible tells the story of Jesus walking on the water and Peter also walked on water for a time. Imagine that situation for a moment. Peter, being a fisherman, knew that it was impossible for man to walk on water. Yet, because of his faith in Christ, he got out of the boat and did the impossible. If you and I are going to walk on water spiritually, then we have to get out of the boat. It is time to rise above our comfort zones and make a difference in the lives of others. Will some criticize and ridicule us? No doubt. Will we be made fun of? You can count on it. Do we need to do it anyway? Absolutely!