Relationship, Not Resolution
I imagine that you, just like I did, probably set at least one or two goals for 2019. After all, it is the time of year for new beginnings and resolutions. “New Year, New You” as the saying goes.
You may be thinking that it’s time to get healthy, organize your life, or maybe write that book. Your goals might be spiritual goals such as reading your Bible more, praying often, or getting more involved in a particular ministry.
Those are indeed great goals, but don’t let your relationship with God become something you check off a to-do list. I’m often guilty of forgetting the beauty of being made for friendship with God.
We humans are so obsessed with working on ourselves that we’re never content with where we are. The drive to do well isn’t a bad thing, and neither is the desire to make and meet goals. As a matter of fact, those things are wonderful! The problem arises when we forget that in Christ, we’re already new creations. 2 Corinthians 5:17 puts it this way: “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life has gone; a new life has begun!” (NLT).
So take time this year to meditate on the fact that God is already transforming you into a new person. Then, notice the subtle ways He's working in you. Our resolutions often fail within a couple weeks, but our relationship with God is worth pursuing for a lifetime. The "new you" is found through relationship, not resolution.
In Matthew 6:33, we are told to "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (ESV). Your first goal this year should be renewed intimacy with God. Through a close-knit relationship, God can pour the strength and resolve into you that will help you reach your other goals.
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Joanna Tidei is a Christian ministries and human services and counseling major at Lindsey Wilson College. She is active in campus ministry and also serves as an intern children's minister at Anderson Christian Church. In her free time, Joanna likes to read, eat chocolate, and drink tea.
