January 8, 2008

Number 1

VIEWPOINT

Before we move ahead into a great 2008, I want to look back.  (After all, that’s why the first month of the year is called “January.”  The Roman god Janus was the keeper of gates.  He was depicted as having two faces – one looking back and one looking forward.) 

My father passed away December 16 a year ago, so I’ve been thinking about him quite a bit.  One of the first things my mother wanted to do was to take care of his clothing and begin cleaning out the closet.  I have been blessed to enjoy using a few of my dad’s belongings, including the jacket I wore Sunday!  I’m still working on finishing the job. 

As I reflect, however, I realize emphatically that my father’s legacy wasn’t merely the clothes hanging in the closet.  It wasn’t the shop with tools or the desk of papers.  It wasn’t the barn or the granary or anything else material. 

What was left behind is what lives in me – in my brother as well and in all of our family.  The lessons he imparted that live in our hearts are what has really been left behind.  His legacy is one of honesty and integrity.  It is a legacy of kindness and generosity.  It is love of my mother and all of his family.  It is devotion to the cause of Christ. 

That might be a good New Year’s reflection for all of us:  what will be left behind when we depart?  What name will remain?  What principles will be remembered?

Regardless of what we leave behind materially, if we fail to live a life of faithfulness we fail at the life that has been given us. 

I look forward to seeing you Sunday with a Bible, a smile and a positive word!                                                    RA

Goals for the New Year

Not only is January a good time to make resolutions for better fitness or record keeping, it’s a good time to take stock spiritually.  It’s an opportunity to set goals for character improvement.  Jack Llewellyn, a sports psychologist, says, however, when most people set goals or make resolutions “they don’t really make them as specific as they should.”  He says successful goal setting should be very specific.  Goals need to have a time element, they need to be challenging, and they need to be attainable.

Scripture says quite a bit about improving our inner lives.  Here are some ideas that may make our new year a success. 

Desire.  All of us need enthusiasm, whether it’s about doing a better job at work, spending more time with family or deepening our spiritual life.  If we’re not excited about 2008, the year will be a carbon copy of 2007. 

“Jesus told someone else to come with him. But the man said, ‘Lord, let me wait until I bury my father.’ Jesus answered, ‘Let the dead take care of the dead, while you go and tell about God's kingdom.’  Then someone said to Jesus, ‘I want to go with you, Lord, but first let me go back and take care of things at home.’  Jesus answered, ‘Anyone who starts plowing and keeps looking back isn't worth a thing to God's kingdom!’” (Luke 9:59-62).

Decision.  That’s why we make resolutions in the first place.  We cut off options from the past and make a break from what we were formerly doing.

“You cannot be the slave of two masters! You will like one more than the other or be more loyal to one than the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24).

Discipline.  We have to do what we committed ourselves to accomplish, even when (and especially when) we don’t feel like it. 

“Athletes work hard to win a crown that cannot last, but we do it for a crown that will last forever. I don't run without a goal. And I don't box by beating my fists in the air. I keep my body under control and make it my slave, so I won't lose out after telling the good news to others” (1 Corinthians 9:25-27).

Determination.  Persist long enough for positive effort to bring results.  Often we experience benefits months later from what we started in January. 

“I forget what is behind, and I struggle for what is ahead” (Philippians 3:13).