My Resolutions for 2014

Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:1-12)

I thought I would take a different approach to my New Year's post this year. In years past, I've used a perennial favorite, which was embedded in last year's post. But this year, I wanted to do something new, more organic, more practical. I was also thinking about the Sermon on the Mount that Jesus preached, and how these simple principles should permeate the believer's life. So here are my resolutions for 2014:

1.    I resolve to be poor in spirit, not full of myself, spiritually over-confident, or morally superior. I recognize that I am spiritually incomplete and inadequate, and that I am lacking in the qualities and characteristics that allow me to transcend the depravity of a fallen world. I am nothing in comparison with the God of the Universe, and all that I have to offer God is broken, dirty and repulsive. Thus, I will allow God to work within me to provide what I lack.

2.    I resolve to mourn, grieved by the things that grieve the Spirit of God. I will be moved with compassion for the downtrodden, the forsaken, the disadvantaged, the hurting people who desperately need comfort in a cold and unfeeling world.

3.    I resolve to be meek, not self-assertive or promoting my own self-interests. I will strive to foster a character of gentleness and humility. I don’t have to always be right, or be first. I will put people before principles.

4.    I resolve to be hungry and thirsty for righteousness, not following worthless rules and regulations that only have the appearance of righteousness, but fostering a life of right-living fashioned after the character of God as revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. I will seek to deepen my fellowship with God through His Holy Spirit through prayer, study and worship.

5.    I resolve to be merciful, setting aside my self-proclaimed right to be judge, jury and executioner of those who wrong me. I will be constantly mindful of the mercy that God extends to me on a daily basis, and extend the same level of mercy to those around me.

6.    I resolve to be pure in heart, being daily refined by the working of the Holy Spirit as He purges the impurities from my life. I will regularly reflect upon the holiness of God to see where I fall short, and submit myself to his refining fire, so that all who see me see the reflection of God.

7.    I resolve to be a peacemaker, embracing the true character of a child of God. I will attempt to be an agent of reconciliation and bridge-building in all of my associations. Rather than focusing on those things which divide us, I will accentuate those things which unite us, even when it means swallowing my pride or relinquishing my right to be “right”.

8.    I resolve to allow myself to be persecuted because of righteousness, not engaging in futile arguments with those whose values do not align with mine. I will not lash out at those who ridicule my beliefs or my relationship with Jesus Christ, but will love them to the best of my ability, knowing that my reward is not of this world. I will strive to do nothing that will bring reproach or shame upon the name of my Savior or to push away those who are seeking a relationship with Him.

Jesus taught His disciples that they would be blessed (literally "happy") if they aspired to these principles. I invite you to join me in seeking His blessing in this coming year by resolving to live a more beautiful life.

Have a safe, happy and prosperous New Year!

Pastor David