Reflecting and Resolving

A new year brings an opportunity to reflect on the past and, for some, to make resolutions for the days ahead.  Even if our commitments are eventually cast aside in the busyness of life, taking stock of our priorities is very helpful.  For followers of Jesus it might be a way to center our minds and hearts on our pursuit of Him.

Theologian Jonathan Edwards famously crafted a list of resolutions that he used as a regular reminder of what he had purposed to do in his life.  His list is extensive.  Frankly, the mind of Edwards was...well, extensive.   Here is a nice, organized version of his resolutions sorted by category.

Missions professor David Sills offers a challenge for believers as they approach the 2015.  He uses the oft quoted words of Baptist missionary William Carey, "Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God."  Sills' goal is to encourage believers to take seriously the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.  A worthy aim indeed.

For the Christian there is one thing that makes it actually possible to make wise resolutions and to keep them: the power of God!  We can approach this process with the knowledge that God is with us and He is for us. And hopefully we will maintain the glory of God as our motivation. After all, it is all about Him.

So I encourage you to consider what you plan to do (or not do) in 2015.  We have everything we need because of Christ...we can not fail.

Happy New Year!