By Weston Lundgren on January 15, 2022.
January is a month of new resolutions and goals. It may be hard to believe but a majority of Canadians have already set new year’s resolutions and if previous years are any indication a majority of us are going to have at least some success with those goals. We’re going to work hard. Paul tells the Colossians to “work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (3:23). It’s an invitation to view our work as an act of worship with deep meaning. What does that look like? First, consider God’s priorities before our own as we plan. Proverbs gives caution that “we can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps” (16:9). Planning with God first means being better prepared for the unexpected! Second, worship is about being in God’s presence. To be in God’s presence, we must be perfectly holy like God is holy (1 Peter 1:15). We can’t hide mistakes from God, but the good news means we don’t have to because of what Christ has already done for us on the cross. This is a free gift to any who are willing to accept and trust the sacrifice Christ has made for us (Romans 5). Finally, we are able to live the life that God has created for us. A life full of purpose and meaning. Did you know that Jesus prayed for you before he went to the cross? You can read the whole prayer in John 17, but Jesus prayed for all those who would have faith, who would trust him. Jesus prayed that his followers would be made holy by the Truth in God’s Word. That’s a transformative and powerful Truth to see you through the very best new year’s resolutions. Worship while you work. Weston Lundgren is Pastor at GracePointe Community Church 7