New Year Reminders

Happy New Year! We have some pretty strange traditions in the South. One of them is eating collard greens and black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day. You can probably figure out for yourself what that meal is supposed to bring you in the coming year. (I wouldn’t expect too much, though.)

There are legitimate ways to prepare for the year ahead, and I want to remind you of an appeal from Paul in his letter to the Christians at Ephesus:

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
(Ephesians 5:15–17)

As we face the coming year, Paul gives us three important reminders.

1) Walk (live) carefully in wisdom.
Don’t live this year in “reactive mode,” simply responding haphazardly to whatever pops up. Instead, have a plan—a goal, a destination. In your quiet time with God, ask Him to give you direction that moves you toward holiness. Then be careful to move forward intentionally, without getting sidetracked.

2) Look for opportunities.
Sometimes clichés are true, and “time flies” is one of them. Paul’s call to make the “best use of the time” reminds us that minutes and moments matter. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t rest or maintain balance in your life. Rather, it means being attentive to important moments—kairos moments—and making them count. And the way to make them count is to…

3) Understand what the will of the Lord is.
How do we do that? God’s will is always revealed in God’s Word, so start there. It is God’s will that your life displays His glory. It is His will that lost people come to saving faith. It is His will that saved people grow in knowledge of Him and experience with Him. It is His will that you become a disciple—and that you make disciples.

It’s going to be a great year. I’m excited to see what God will do through a people who live intentionally, who look for opportunities, and who desire to please Him. These are exciting days, and I’m thrilled to be walking through them with you.