New
Years Resolutions
One
thing I have noticed as the new year (2005) has come and gone is the
plethora of Christian radio and TV spots urging people to start fresh
with God. Now I understand the good intentions that go along with such
statements; however, I take issue with them for one major reason.
First
of all, let me start with this. We have a major issue with commitment
in this country among those who call themselves Christians. No one has
ANY "stick-to-it-ness". We (as Americans) take the least of
the things Jesus asked us to do and when we have only done HALF of those
things He required... we act like we have done something special. Also,
the few things we will do, we only do them HALF THE TIME. Why? Lack
of commitment!
With
that said...
What
makes a Minister think that a New Year will motivate a half-dried up
and luke-warm non-committed Christian to suddenly become Paul the Apostle?
Intentions are everything in the Christian life! Let's add it up...
Jesus came down (when He didn't have to), lived a perfect life, was
persecuted, tortured and crucified to pay the debt on our sin that we
could NEVER pay in our own efforts... YET our motivation for getting
right with Him is the passing of a New Year? Are we kidding? And WHO
are we kidding? If Jesus paying the price on sin that demanded eternal
punishment that was yours and mine isn't motivation enough for us to
live right, how will a new year passing do it? Dear friend, if it took
a new year to "motivate" you into getting right with God,
I doubt you will stick to it and I believe you have severely missed
the point.
-
John.