The Ultimate Resolution

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37 NIV)

Every December, I create a list of goals for myself, and it’s one of my favorite things to do. I get so caught up in the excitement of the new year, and I begin to plan and dream of what I want to achieve. 

There’s nothing wrong with setting goals for ourselves as we strive to become more Christ-like in every area of our lives. However, how many times do we get so caught up in our goals, that we easily forget what really matters—our relationship with God and pointing others to Him? It’s never too late to make these our main priorities, and the first goals we set for ourselves. What better time to start than the first day of an upcoming year? 

Sometimes our goals to keep God first lead to thoughts about Jesus’ second coming. We may often think of the end times from a negative perspective, but can I propose a new way to view it? With excitement and anticipation for the coming of Christ! 

“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.” (Revelation 22:7)

When I have family or friends coming to stay with us, in the weeks leading up to it, I start to feel excitement, anticipation, and a little bit of stress. As you can imagine, I begin frantically cleaning, purging, and tidying everything in sight in preparation for their arrival. I’m typically cleaning right until the very last second from all the constant messes (if you have a spouse, kids, or pets, you maybe can relate)! The moment that door opens, I’m filled with sweet joy as I feel like my strenuous efforts have paid off, and I can finally enjoy their presence. 

Tomorrow is not promised, my friend. All we have is right now, so let us not waste any time. Jesus is coming soon, and there is so much to do in the meantime! As we step into next year, let’s fix our eyes on the things above, focus on our relationship with our Abba Father God, and those around us, and point them to heaven. 

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20)

Friend, I pray you will experience abundant blessings in this new year and, more importantly, draw closer to your heavenly Father than you have ever been. Let us continue to prepare the way for His return!

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Scripture is quoted from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION^®, NIV^® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.