The start of a new year is a natural time to reflect on one’s life and contemplate making some changes. I am not a big fan of making resolutions since I usually end up abandoning them before the year ends. That is a personal problem, I know, but I think it is a common one. Why is it that the word ‘resolution’ has come to lose its forceful meaning? A common definition of the word is “a firm decision to do or not do something.” The key word that has been lost is of course the word ‘firm.’
As our church begins 2010, I thought of making some ‘resolutions’ for our church. I mean isn’t that what mission and vision statements are? But instead of making new resolutions I thought it would be best to refocus on the old ones… one really old one in particular. You can try to update it to make sound more modern and relevant, but the truth of the Great Commission remains unchangeable: go make disciples.
I am praying that our church will follow the example of Paul in “forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)
We must always be resolved to follow Christ, to grow up in our faith and continue the mission.
There is a generation of people who have never heard the gospel. We need to reach that generation with the good news of Jesus Christ.
This year our church will refocus our gaze on the glory of Christ that we may be changed by Him. We will refine our strategies in discipleship so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. And we will start this in our homes, seeking to reflect the glory of Christ first and foremost in our own families.
Whatever your plans for 2010 may be, I hope they are centered on Christ and are a firm decision to press on toward that wonderful, heavenly Prize.
*** UPDATE ***
I just came across this blog post that has some excellent thoughts about this subject of mission. I thought you might find them helpful...
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