I Resolve To...

As you know, this is the time of year that major decisions are made in people's lives - major in that people don't have to be convinced to dream big.

I resolve to lose 100 pounds ... by Sunday. I made the resolution to quit smoking six packs a day. I'm going cold turkey. I'm not going to go back for thirds this year. I resolve to spend 18 hours with my family each day.

And then there's more realistic goals.

I am going to be conscience about my diet. I resolve to exercise more this year. I want to be a better Father and a better husband.

You get the idea. The problem with the previous list is the goals are SO BIG that they're unrealistic. And because we're a society of "quick fixes", we want things today. We're not willing to wait for something better. And when our goals aren't realized right away, we become discouraged and often times cynical.

In my opinion, the cynicism then leads to mediocrity. How many times do we hear people that don't make goals simply because they can't keep them? What a sorry excuse!

I've encouraged our people at FCC to set some goals this year. And because I'm most concerned with their spiritual well-being, I'm especially concerned about them setting spiritual goals. In other words, the point I want to be next year in my spiritual journey is ahead of where I am now.

The challenge that all mankind faces is a lack of goals - complacency or apathy. And that's exactly where Satan wants us to be. He would like nothing less than for us to be apathetic in regards to our spiritual nourishment. Sadly, my experience has been that often times we appease him.

So how about it, will 2009 be the best year of your life? Will you be intentional about your goals for your spiritual life? Or will you fall in with the rest of the crowd and just survive?