Have you made any resolutions for 2018? Many of us take time to reflect, evaluate, and set goals at the dawn of a new year.
What needs attention? Is there anything I need to purge? Am I neglecting something that deserves more focus and energy? How are my priorities? Am I managing my time effectively? Is my perspective healthy and balanced?
It’s good to periodically evaluate habits, health, and finances. But do you want to grow closer to God in 2018? Do you want to become more like Jesus? If so, take a moment with 2 Corinthians 11:2-3:
For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
Life the way God intended it to be requires a mindset. Paul describes it as “sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” Devotion to anyone or anything begins with a frame of mind. What (or who) is most important? What’s the goal? What will reaching the goal demand? Think about how powerful 2 Corinthians 11:2-3 is in getting our minds set on Jesus for 2018:
IDENTITY
“I am not my own. I have been betrothed to one husband. I am Christ’s.”
CALLING
“I have the privilege and obligation to keep myself pure for Jesus—pure in mind, spirit, body, and reputation—for the sake of his name.”
DEVOTION
“My thoughts will be led by whatever or whomever I give my attention, focus, and energy. Someone reigns on the throne of my heart. If that person is anyone other than Jesus—including me—my thoughts and allegiance will be led astray from where they ought to be. My Savior is willing and able to lead me in paths of righteousness. I devote myself to him above anyone or anything else.”
RESOLUTION
“I will sincerely seek first his kingdom and his righteousness in 2018. I want to grow closer to God. I want to become more like Jesus in my thoughts and actions. Wherever he leads, I will follow.”
2018 can be a year of tremendous spiritual progress for you, but it will require “sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” Let’s set our minds on things above, where Christ is, as 2017 comes to a close and 2018 begins. May the Lord bless us as we seek to live life the way he intends it to be.