As you begin the new year, what is going to help you go where God is calling you? So many resources, prayers, and more are available through your church!
Many people make resolutions at the start of a year: lose weight, drop a bad habit, improve oneself, etc. But resolutions have been around for a long time, and depending who made them – like committed Reformed Christian Jonathan Edwards or avowed deist Benjamin Franklin – it definitely changed the resolution.
Dr. Gene Edward Veith writes, “Whereas Edwards’ resolutions were focused on God’s glory, Scripture, heaven and hell, and Jesus Christ, Franklin’s were secular, pragmatic, and this-worldly, focused on becoming a good citizen and a successful businessman. Though Franklin does mention prayer, Christ is reduced to being a good example for him to follow, mentioned in the same breath as Socrates.”
But this emphasis on our improving ourselves has a hidden danger. Veith notes, “But even conservative Christians can sometimes fall into the trap of paying too much attention to themselves. ‘Am I really saved?’ we can sometimes wonder, looking at our inner lives and hidden sins and finding all too little evidence of our holiness.” Too much time focused inward takes our attention off of Jesus, and just like Peter’s gaze that faltered, we find ourselves sinking.
Veith encourages us that, “when we look outside ourselves to the promises in God’s Word, we can find joy, confidence, and assurance.” Read the entire essay here at Ligonier.
Once you do read the above encouragement, make sure you find the Bible reading plans, prayers, and articles for beginning a new calendar.
Zion Evangelical & Reformed Church 