Two Resolutions

Making New Years resolutions? Here are some stats stolen from leadership journal…
• 45 % of Americans usually set New Years resolutions, but only about
• 8% of us are always successful in keeping them, and
• 24% of us have failed on every resolution every year. The rest of us are somewhere in-between.

My resolutions are to learn English, develop a taste for chocolate, and quit drinking. Put me in the 8%.

This year let’s do something different. Lets grow. Not just in height or the waistline or in church numbers. Lets make more, bigger, brighter glory. 2 Peter 3:18 says “You must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.”

Growing in grace and knowledge – this is a process that continues to bring Jesus glory and doesn’t stop until there is a flat line of the screen next to the bed. But… how do we do it?

Grace = giving joy. The definition of Grace commonly given as “unmerited favor” is too narrow to fit here. How do you grow in unmerited favor? Sin more? The word is better defined as “joy giving.” We can do that. Take five minutes to write down what would bring joy to others – your family, neighbors, co-workers, students. Do it.

Knowledge = taking the bib off. Knowledge isn’t about going to church, putting on a bib and being fed. It means to grow in practical knowledge, to make wise decisions, day to day, in accordance with God’s Word. The Pharisees knew the facts. The disciples followed the Master. That’s why Jesus had the 12 feed the 5000, and let Peter walk on water. He didn’t do ministry for them, He did it with them. We can do this. Take five more minutes to write down what you can do with Christ. Become a self-feeding Christian, and give your bib to the next person you introduce Him to.

Then, when others are watching the flat line next to our bed, Jesus will be glorified.