Welcome a New Year
Did you set any New Year’s goals?
Over the holidays I heard a preacher advise his congregation: “Let’s ask ourselves what God is asking us to do in this new year–maybe something we have not considered that needs changing. Even set some new goals.”
Let’s honestly think through the process as we take that question before the Lord. What is my response? What is yours?
- What is God really asking me to do? What focus?
- Am I willing to at least try to change myself for the better–get rid of a bad habit or attitude, or a sin such as harboring unforgiveness, or judging others?
- Pledging to lose weight–for the sake of my health?
- Adjust or improve my prayer time schedule?
- Encourage others more often–even daily? Write letters, make phone calls, cook a meal, mail a check?
- Use my talent/gifting in new ways? How? To whom?
- Form new friendships or business associates?
- Share my faith in Christ more often? Be bold.
- Who will hold me accountable? A relative, friend, pastor?
- I need to write these goals down.
Here are some quotes to consider in the early weeks of a new year–by an author I admire.
John Maxwell, a well- known Christian teacher on leadership, makes a significant observation in his book, Be All You Can Be. “Whenever you are going to do something great for God, there are 27,000 people around you that will try to tell you why you can’t, shouldn’t or won’t. They are testifying from their own experience.1 He adds,” When God has given us a gift we are to use it and succeed, so that we enhance the Kingdom of God.”
Maxwell challenges readers: “It is better to make the most of what we can do than to bemoan what we cannot do. No goal is worthwhile that is only for yourself. Set a goal big enough to include and help other people.” 2
He quotes another author about being responsible for what you can do:
I am only one,
But still I am one.
I cannot do everything,
But still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything,
I will not refuse to do the
Something I can do.” 3
Benjamin Franklin was said to ask himself two questions daily. In the morning, he would ask “What good am I going to do today?” At night, he again questioned himself, “What good have I done today?” Maxwell comments after giving this illustration: “If you can answer those questions with selflessness and integrity, you can keep yourself on track.” 4
When he writes about “bland safe people,” Maxwell follows with one of his favorite poems. I have read a different version but here is his quote which gets across his point quite well.
“Taking Risks”
There was a very cautious man
Who never laughed or played.
He never risked, he never tried,
He never sang or prayed.
And when he one day passed away,
His insurance was denied.
For since he never really lived,
They claimed he never really died. 5
Prayer: Thank You, Father that You will help me achieve Your destiny for me. In this new year show me what You want me to do, where You want me to go, who You want me to interact with and how to achieve it. Help me keep in mind that I am about my Father’s business. I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Scripture: For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:10 NKJV)
- John C. Maxwell, Be All You Can Be, Cook Communications, (Colorado Springs, CO., 1987), 117.
- Ibid. 27.
- Edward Everitt Hale, Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations.
- John C. Maxwell, Thinking For A Change, (Warner Books, 2005), 234.
- John Maxwell, Developing the Leader Within You, Thomas Nelson Publication, (Nashville, TN:, 1993), 191.
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