It is that time of year where resolutions are made, and goals are set for the year ahead. Normally, I am not the New Years' resolution-making sort of person. I tend to view New Year’s resolutions with delightful mockery. They never seem to stick with most people. I read a survey today of 32 million people and found that most resolutions have ended by January 12th. That means most people do not even make it two full weeks before blowing up their goals for the New Year.
I usually set out a far simpler approach. The goal is usually to just continue to live every day of every year employing the disciplines that I currently live by. My usual goal is simply to be more like Jesus in the new year than the previous one, but this year I feel compelled to make some more detailed and concrete resolutions.
As the famous quote goes, “You can’t hit a target you can’t see, and you will never arrive at your destination if you don’t define where it is.” There is something to be said for getting specific. I feel this is a year for Brad Kirby to get specific.
Paul encouraged the church in 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12; “To this end, we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Paul urges us to resolve to do good, for good, in faith for God’s glory. If we see areas of our lives where good needs to be done and can be done for God’s glory, we should do it. So…here goes…here are some good things I see in my life that I need to do. I share it with you because I believe that we all have a far better chance of seeing our resolutions come to fruition when shared with brothers and sisters in the Lord who will hold us accountable and pray.
IN 2021 I RESOLVE…
1. TO BE MORE OF A RESERVOIR OF THE WORD OF GOD THAN A CONDUIT
I spend A LOT of time in the Word of God every day, although it is primarily a conduit for others. I teach, preach and counsel others in God’s Word constantly, but in 2021 I want to see my personal time in the Word of God as a reservoir increase. There is a difference is studying the Word for others and studying the Word for yourself. I want to spend more time personally sitting at the feet of Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:16, Psalm 1)
2. TO DEVOTE THE FIRST 30 DAYS TO INTENTIONAL PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH GLOBALLY.
I already daily go before our great God on behalf of the church, but I will be devoting intentional prayer for the church in the areas of increased patience, unity, and a renewed focus on the Great Commission work we have been given by Jesus. I will be praying that Jesus’ bride grows in their knowledge of Jesus and that it be evidenced in their love for one another and their attitudes to bring peace to the body as a whole. (Philippians 3) I pray that we will be more and more the church on Monday that we talk about on Sunday.
3. TO SPEND MORE QUALITY TIME WITH MY FAMILY.
I want to attend more of Reagan’s gymnastics meets and practices. I want to be at more of Luke’s baseball games. I want to be home more when my kids are awake. I need to take Reagan on some “daddy-daughter” dates and Luke on some “bro-time” hangouts. (Psalm 127:3-5)
I want to have more date nights with Emily. This means that I will have to say “no” to more. I am praying that God will give me the strength to do so and the wisdom to know what to say “no” to.
4. TO DO 100 PUSH-UPS, 100 SIT-UPS, 20 CHIN-UPS, AND 15 MINUTES ON THE ROWING MACHINE DAILY.
I am firmly in my desired weight range, but I would like to firm up. I feel like a 175 LB walking container of silly putty. I feel better and think better when I am active and working out. (1 Timothy 4:8, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
5. TO WORRY LESS AND TRUST GOD MORE
While we would never say it out loud, we often fight the battle of trying to take God’s job. Somehow in the daily grind and pressure of life, we fall into the sinful pitfall of thinking we know more and can do a better job than God himself. I know that I cannot be the only one who fights this battle. I am going to continue to live in God’s Word, pray earnestly, take steps for the church and my life in faith and simply defer to God. I will put my trust in Him.
Over the past years at FBCW I would honestly not go back and change one thing. Not one decision would I make differently. I would, however, go back and trust God more with the outcomes. He is good and sovereign. He loves His church more than I could ever fathom. I will find my peace in those truths. (1 Peter 3:8-17)
I hope that you will also take some time to think through some intentional goals for good this coming year. Goals that will grow your faith, strengthen your walk with the Lord, and help you become a more faithful disciple in 2021. If you are brave, consider sharing them with a brother and sister in the Lord.