A Little Perspective for the New Year

I’m not one to make New Year’s resolutions…well, not anymore.

I quickly learned that resolutions are counter-productive.

Whatever I resolved to stop doing became even more appealing, and whatever I vowed to start doing became ever-more appalling.

My focus became skewed by what I couldn’t have or had to do instead of focusing on the right thing.

 

I do like the word resolution, though.

Resolution means:

    • the ACT of finding an answer to a solution or conflict
    • bringing something to an end
    • the ability to show an image clearly and with a lot of detail.

 

Resolution is a word of action whose purpose is outcome and clarity, much like a goal.

But, goals, like resolutions, have a way of shifting my focus sometimes.

If I’m not careful, I can focus too much on checking that goal off my list and forget to keep it in God’s perspective and timing.

And, that’s the key–FOCUS.
Whatever our focus is, gets our attention.
That makes sense.

The Bible says it this way, “…where our treasure is, has our heart.” (Matthew 6:21)

What do we value?

Where do we give our attention?

What (or who) has your focus?

I know that my focus must be on Him and not my goal.

When my focus shifts off Christ, my efforts are self-serving, and I only seek to glorify myself.

My goals, not matter how noble, become an idol.

If I’m going to glorify God, I must remember that my goals are not an idol to obtain, but a sacrifice to humbly surrender for the glory of Christ.

As we prepare for the new opportunities of 2021, I pray that we all remember to humbly and sacrificially lay our goal at the feet of Jesus, so His Name will be glorified, and our worth can rest in Him.

 

God bless and Happy New Year!!

Join the Conversation:

What are your hopes and dreams for 2021?

What was the best resolution you’ve ever made?

What was the worst?

 

 

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Susan E. Greenwood is a wife, a mother, and a mother-in-law :D. She has over 28 years experience in youth and children’s ministries. Susan loves to write blogs, articles, devotionals, and curriculum. She has blogged for bible.org, and authors Mary Demuth, Lynn Cowell and Ruth Schwenk. Susan writes regularly for skitguys.com. Her passion is to help people live their Life In Stride with the Word of God.

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