NEW YEAR’S CHOICES

     The process has begun. For some the idea has been brewing for weeks – maybe months. For others, the idea is nothing more than a last second impulse. At the stroke of midnight on December 31st, a new year begins, and this is the year when that stubborn 30 pounds will be lost, or chaotic finances will brought to order, or that Bible will be read cover to cover. There exists a wide variety of these types of commitments, and we call them “New Year’s Resolutions”. Though often well-intentioned and much needed, many, if not most New Year’s Resolutions fail.

     These resolutions are not fulfilled for a variety of reasons, and one of them is that a calendar year is too long a period of time for many people to remain committed and focused. The reality is that most of us need a much shorter time period on which we focus, and that time period is called “now”. Whether we accomplish anything in the New Year, in the next month, day, or hour is determined by the choices we make now, in this moment. For the person whose resolution is to lose 30 pounds in 2011, his success of failure will be dependent on the choices he makes, moment by moment when presented with options to eat one thing as opposed to another. This is true of life in general. The outcome of our lives is very much dependent on the choices we make in the moment.
     The counsel of God’s word addresses the matter of choices:

We are to choose serve the Lord, not the world. (Josh 24:15)

We are to choose the instruction, wisdom, and knowledge of God over silver or gold (Prov 8:10-11, Prov 16:6)

We are to reject the wrong and choose the right. (Isa 7:15).

     It’s sad to say, but we live in a culture in which choosing to serve God, or choosing to live according to His instruction, wisdom, and knowledge, or choosing what is right (according to His instruction, wisdom, and knowledge) is viewed as peculiar. Even worse, some would label it hateful, intolerant, and narrow-minded. Nonetheless, I know that if the next choice I make “in the moment” is based on the wisdom of God, a desire to serve Him, and a commitment to what is right in His eyes, it will be a good choice. If the next choice is also good, and the next, and the next, at the end of the day, week, month, year, or lifetime, I will have accomplished much – perhaps not in the eyes of the culture, but in the only place it really matters – in the eyes of God.

     In the gospel of John, we find these words:

     You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-- fruit that will last.
     This verse reminds me that when God chose me, he also appointed me. This means that he established a purpose for me, and that he ordained me to go and bear fruit that will last. I know that this cannot happen unless I make good choices “in the moment”. This is true for you and all believers as well.
     My prayer for you and me is that we will, in the next new moment, make choices that are pleasing to God, bearing fruit that will last. May it be so…

In Christ –

John

Soli Deo Gloria