The Best Resolution of All
It’s
the start of a new year. 2014 has
arrived. For many people, that means a time to make a New Year’s
resolution. So for the next few weeks, the
gyms will be filled to capacity, desserts will be put aside, and many more fruits,
vegetables, and whole grains will be consumed. Some will attempt to get a
handle on their household budget. Others will try to get rid of a bad habit.
And, the list of New Year’s resolutions can go on and on; resolutions that
people will most likely keep for a week or two. After that everything will go
back to the way it was beforehand.
I’m
not really one for making New Year’s resolutions, at least not in a formal
way. But it is only natural that, at the
turn of the year, I would have certain hopes and aspirations that would come to
mind. Yes, I want to exercise more, eat better, spend my money more wisely, get
rid of bad habits. In this coming year, I want to be a better husband and
father, pastor and leader. I want to pray more, study more, and be a better
follower of Christ. And, my list can go on and on—as I am sure yours can. But I
need to ask—as do you—what really should be the focus of my life during 2014?
As I
pondered that question for the past couple of days, I’ve been drawn to the
story in the New Testament wherein Jesus was asked, “…which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” And, Jesus answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and
with all your mind” and “Love your
neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:36-39 – NIV) In other words, the one thing that each of us
ought to focus our lives on, above all other things, is love—loving God and
loving one another. I tend to think that for Jesus, that would be the best
resolution of all!
Yes,
I probably need to exercise more, eat better, spend my money more wisely, pray
more, etc. But the one thing above all
other things that I need to do in 2014 is love more. And the same is probably
true for you as well. So, let’s ask ourselves at the start of this New Year: How
can I love God and my fellow man better?; What do I need to do to express my
love in a better way?; How can my love for God and those around me grow in my
heart and come through my life?
At
the start of this year, may our resolution be a resolution of love! That is the
best resolution of all!
May
you have a happy and blessed New Year!
Pastor
Tim Harris
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