Opinion
By Matthew Griffiths, 12-24-24
We are in the season of Christmas. A special time of year for many people, and soon, it will be a new year. With the new year comes a certain amount of self-reflection. With this self-reflection comes the famed New Year resolution. Generally, these resolutions revolve around health and finances. Many of you likely have intentions to exercise more, eat healthier, reduce debt, or save more money.
How many have considered spiritual resolutions? Now, let us be clear: none of these suggestions will lead to salvation. The only way to salvation is by grace through faith. However, that faith is not a singular event but is meant to lead to an ongoing relationship with Christ. Hopefully, we can all agree that a relationship without action will be weak or will die. James says this: But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22.
The first possible resolution is to read your Bible daily. I know that this is not an original concept. But might I add a suggestion? Read your Bible with the intent of telling somebody what you read. You may find that your experience reading the Word will change when you intend to share what you read. I was once part of a group that often asked, “What have you read in the Word this week?” I know that the expectation of sharing what I had read changed how I read. You might consider finding friends you can ask and who will ask you what you have read. You may find that once you get comfortable telling your friends what you have read, it might be easier to talk to other people about the Good News.
A second possible resolution is to ask people if you can pray for them. I understand that this may be out of some people’s comfort zone. However, it is a good starting point in getting comfortable speaking about your faith. This will help you stay focused on the Kingdom of Heaven as you actively seek opportunities to ask people if you can pray for them. You should pray for everyone you ask. The ones that say yes, pray for them right there and out loud, and for those who say no, you pray for them silently as they walk away. This is another way of becoming more comfortable speaking about Jesus.
A third possible resolution is looking for a way to serve. The most obvious place to serve is at church. However, I would suggest that you consider looking outside the church for opportunities to serve. There are many opportunities out there to serve: the homeless, veterans, youth, and the elderly are just a few of the possibilities. There are benefits to serving others. It will help you develop some humility. In serving, you break one of the golden rules of never working without getting paid. You will likely develop a level of empathy as those who you help change from being members of a group to individuals that you know. It is much easier to love the sinner when you know their name and what they are going through.
The last possible resolution is the easiest and least active: change your car radio to Christian music. Now, this is not a criticism of secular music. The reason I make this suggestion is that for many, including myself, driving is one of the most anger-inducing activities that we engage in. Having a subtle background reminder that you are a child of God can not hurt. This is also a way to help keep us focused on the Kingdom of Heaven.
Obviously, this is not an all-inclusive list of possible resolutions. If you have any suggestions of resolutions, please add them to the comments section. I know that I would like to hear them.
Matthew Griffiths describes himself as “a bond servant of Christ.”
The views expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Citizens Journal Florida
