The Highest Goal

Another year has come and gone and all the talk turns to New Year’s resolutions, setting goals, changing the way we do things, etc. All those things are good, but the problem is, hardly any of us keep them. And that brings the guilt and self-condemnation of failing.

Rather than make a list of unreachable goals, here is one target we can shoot for:

“Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it” (Colossians 4:17).

How is this accomplished?

First, we have to know we are all called to transform our minds and conform to the image of Christ. (Romans 12:1-2)

Second, by transforming our minds we can find out what specific task we are anointed for and put on this earth to do. (Psalm 37:4)

Third, we need to stay focused on that calling and not be swayed by things that draw us away. (Philippians 4:13-14)

If we fulfill the ministry we have received in the Lord, we will accomplish goals we have in every area of our lives without striving under our own willpower to reach them. It will be a by-product of living life in the Lord because He will give us wisdom and ideas we couldn’t come up with on our own. Therefore, setting the goal of Colossians 4:17 as our New Year’s resolution, we can fulfill many others, as well.

What about you? What has God called you to do this year?

 

Have a very Happy New Year!

 

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all! May you experience the joy of Christ and the life and peace He gives.

Two Babies

“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

This past summer the world heralded the birth of Prince George, heir to the throne of England. His mother was given the best medical care in the world and all the comforts possible while delivering him. He was the most photographed baby on earth and the palace was inundated with well wishes from dignitaries and leaders around the globe.

Over two thousand years ago, another baby was born and His birth was heralded by angels, but only to a few shepherds who were watching their sheep at night. His mother lay on the ground around animal dung while her body was wracked with pain bringing Him into the world. Shepherds visited Him while the rest of countryside slept, unaware the King of the universe had just become man.

Magazines, newspapers, and gossip sheets were covered with pictures and stories about baby George, all scrambling to be the first to report the details of his birth. He was surrounded by the security forces of his country for protection and privacy and carried home in a luxury vehicle.  Mary and Joseph had to travel on foot to another country to keep the security forces of their country from killing their baby.

The stark contrast between an earthly king's birth and the birth of the Savior reflects God's heart. He did not come to rule on earth, although He will someday. He came to rule in the hearts of man. To do that He had to appear in the most humble way possible. He had to get down with the lowest of the low so He could elevate us to the highest acceptance of the Father.

 The priorities of the world are for glory and fame. The priorities of the spirit are humility and love.

Sometimes we get caught up in the busyness of the holidays. We have so much to do and so little time to do it. But the important thing to remember is the reason we are celebrating.

 What do you do to maintain peace in the midst of a chaotic holiday storm?