Often, at the beginning of the year, we all make resolutions to improve or do better or just start doing what we know we need to do. Well, how about giving yourself a check-up on how you are doing relative to spiritual matters?
Why don’t we all consider adopting the following resolutions for the New Year and continuing forward?
RESOLVE TO DRAW NEARER TO GOD AND CHRIST… 1. By having a daily reading program of God’s living and abiding Word (Heb. 4:12). a. Read the Old Testament this year (cf. Rom. 15:4; I Cor. 10:11; II Tim. 3:14-17) b. Read the New Testament also (James 1:21; I Pet. 2:2) 2. By being diligent in prayer (Heb. 4:14-16) a. Let’s be a thankful people (cf. Col. 4:2; I Thess. 5:17-18) b. Perhaps Daniel’s custom of praying three times daily would be worthy of emulation (Dan. 6:10)
RESOLVE TO BECOME CLOSER TO THE BRETHREN… 1. By making it a point to learn every one’s name (cf. III John 14) a. Get a directory b. Each week, connect a couple of names and faces until you learn them all and then greet them at services 2. By having a different person or family in your home each month (cf. I Pet. 4:9) a. It doesn’t have to be a fancy dinner b. Just a simple visit to become better acquainted 3. Or by visiting a different person or family each month either at their home or out somewhere together or at the hospital if they are ill.
RESOLVE TO GET TO KNOW NON-CHRISTIANS BETTER… 1. By having one new neighbor or co-worker in your home each month or invite them to services (cf. Gal. 6:10). 2. Or by visiting one new neighbor or co-worker each month. a. It doesn’t have to be a fancy meal or formal visit b. It is amazing how far simple hospitality and neighborly kindness can go to build meaningful relationships and create opportunities to share the gospel.
For the elders (Gregg Woodall)