A Word of Restoration
After the celebrations of Thanksgiving and Christmas come to a close, many of us start to consider our resolutions for the new year. Unfortunately, for some, these goals stem from the guilt of having overindulged during the holiday feasting.
While we should definitely express our gratitude to God for providing those meals, it is important to reorient our focus back to Him as our source. As we set resolutions to shed those extra pounds, let us also prioritize strengthening our spiritual walk with Christ. Instead of solely focusing on shedding those extra pounds, we should aim to nourish our spirits, as there is never a downside to feeding the Spirit.
Paul reminds us that caring for our bodies is important, but our primary focus should be on devotion and obedience to Christ.
He writes in 1 Corinthians 9 “26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
And in Philippians 3 he writes: 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Paul has the right perspective and orientation. The word “resolution” can be defined as purposeful determination. If you have not already, make a resolution to be steadfast in your walk with Christ, fully devoted to obeying Him and following His commandments.
The prophet Joshua exemplified unwavering resolve in his declaration, standing firm among those committed to serving other gods fashioned in their own image. He proclaimed with conviction,
“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24
The Final Word:
Be Resolute!
As the new year begins, let us choose discipline over guilt and devotion over distraction by committing fully to follow Christ. Like Paul and Joshua, press forward with unwavering resolve to serve the Lord in every area of life.
