A New Year’s Resolution

Every year end people make resolutions for the new year. The challenge is whether they can keep them. Some, through a high level of discipline, may attain their goals, while others through a lack thereof, are unable to find the power to accomplish them.  

 

For Christians, their power comes from God. He enables them to accomplish tasks that are beyond their ability to accomplish. They are “strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Eph. 6:10) and are empowered to overcome any form of resistance in accomplishing a particular task. Furthermore, the armor of God is given to protect them against the schemes of the devil.  

 

There are always resolutions to be made even for the church but let the first and foremost one be to “…seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” that God’s will may be done on earth as it is in heaven. Then, to prevent these resolutions from fizzling out before the new year ends, keep on trusting God for His power to accomplish them. 

 

Seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness in the church may fall into three categories, namely, edification, benevolence, and evangelism.

 

  • In edification: Let us continue to provoke one another not to sin, but to love and good works whenever we assemble. It is only through the assemblage, that congregants are built-up and edified (1 Cor. 14:26; Eph. 4:11-13).
  • In Benevolence: Although, we are responsible for providing for our families, we are also responsible for giving toward the work of the church, and those who are in need, especially those of the household of God (Gal. 6:10).  
  • In Evangelism: Our Lord came “…to seek and to save that which was lost.” Before His ascension, He commanded His disciples to: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…” (Matt. 28:19-20). This is also a command for us.

May we, the Lake Norman Church of Christ, continue to uphold the truth and increase in fervor as we continue to serve our Lord this year!