Brothers and Sisters,

Well, it’s that time of year again.  Time for resolutions of exercise, dieting, graduating, quitting a bad habit, cleaning the closets, taking that big vacation, getting out of debt, you get the idea.  I wonder where God falls on your list.  Is He on it?  Is He an afterthought?  Is He the top?

Want to see 2012 be your best year yet?  The way that’s going to happen is not by focusing on yourself, rather, it’s going to happen only if you focus first and foremost on God.  The wrinkle though is that it is awfully easy to think we are seeking God when the truth is we are merely self-absorbed.  It is unbelievably common for people to try to focus on God through self-effort.  It plays itself out like, “This year I’m going to go to church more…”, “This year I’m going to be a better husband and father…”, “This year I’m going to stop looking at porn…”, “This year I’m not going to talk about people behind their backs…”, “This year I’m going to have devotions several days a week.”

Sounds harmless, right?  Actually it is incredibly dangerous!  These are the things we ought to do but the question is, “How?”  This is the precise step many of us stumble upon, smashing our faces in the dirt when we could be sprinting ahead to the glory of God.  Do we simply work hard at spiritual change because, after all, ‘God helps those who help themselves!’ (try to find that in the Bible)?  Or do we rely on God himself at work within us to do the very things he wants us to do?  Both Scripture and experience tell us only the latter works.

Friends as you make your resolutions this week focus first and foremost on what changes need to be made so God’s glory will be maximized in and through you.  Then, take your list and continually bring it before God asking him to provide the means, power, endurance, and will for long-term change.  You’ll be glad you did!

Phil 3:12-13  Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³ for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

For His glory with you,

Chuck