What’s Your Resolution?
By Rev. Greg Schermerhorn 12/31/10
As we come to the end of 2010, have you made any resolutions about 2011? Many people resolve to improve their physical appearance, financial circumstances, employment situation, home life, etc. BUT…have you ever resolved to improve your spiritual life? Have you ever resolved to get to know Jesus better? Have you ever resolved to read your Bible daily? If not, why not?
The Apostle Paul exhorted us to live our lives as a living sacrifice to God, sanctified or set apart for service to Him.
Romans 12:1–2 (AMP)
1 I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.
2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].
My Christian brothers and sisters, when you asked God for the forgiveness of your sins and asked Jesus to come into your life as your Savior and Lord, you were transformed into a new creation that is dead to sin.2 Corinthians 5:17 (AMP)
17 Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!
Jesus has called all believers to live a separated and sanctified life in this world. We are to be the salt and light in the world that points to our Savior. Being judgmental won’t effectively share the message of salvation. God’s great love is what sent Jesus to us in the first place. Focus on God’s love for the lost and let judgment take care of itself (John 3:16-18). This is part of what is the good and acceptable will of God for all believers as related in the Great Commission of Matt. 28:19-20.
My prayer for you in 2011 is that you become souled out to Jesus Christ! If you have asked Him to be your Savior, truly make Him the LORD of your life this year. I hope that you CHOOSE to become a fully committed follower of Jesus Christ. It is a decision you will never regret!
Colossians 3:23–24 (AMP)
23 Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men,
24 Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah).
