I'm not much of a believer in making New Year resolutions, having broken so many, even before the end of Januarys past! And no, I have no inclination to bungee jump, climb a Munro or swim with sharks in 2023. But I do have some objectives I want to pursue. I don't suppose it's really a 'bucket list' but I would like to see real progress in these areas of my life before I finally kick the bucket!
If, like me, you're a follower of Jesus, you probably have verses of Scripture that are of special importance for you. One that's a real challenge to me is...
'...godliness with contentment is great gain.'
I Timothy 6:6
I find it such a challenge because by nature I'm neither 'Godly' nor 'contented'! However, I'm working at it, and I'd like to share with you 8 'objectives' that I hope will help me on my journey through 2023. Here they are, in no particular order...
I WANT TO 'PRACTISE THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST'
Underpinning the other objectives I want to both serve Him and SAVOUR Him.
I WANT TO SUBMIT WILLINGLY & UNGRUDGINGLY TO THE WILL OF GOD
As I get older the temptations and struggles don't lessen, they just get different.
I WANT TO CAST MY CARES UPON HIM & LIVE AS POSTIVELY AS I CAN
I need to remember that prayer is the place where burdens change shoulders.
I WANT TO AVOID SELF-PITY, NEGATIVITY AND CRITICISM
I can disagree, but not be disagreeable... promoting harmony instead of discord.
I WANT TO BE MORE READY TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE
It's wonderful to know that we can never out-give the Lord... in anything!
I WANT TO HOLD LOOSELY TO THE THINGS OF THIS WORLD
If I recognise everything I have to be the Lord's, then it's easier to let them go.
I WANT TO SET ACHIEVABLE GOALS WITH REALISTIC ASPIRATIONS
The aging process is one of loss, but 'co-operating' with the inevitable is helpful.
I WANT TO MAINTAIN AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
'Count your blessings' is an old term, but to me must also be an on-going reality.
Finally, it's important to recognise the significance of the word order... 'godliness with contentment' ...not the other way round? That's because the starting point and priority in this is not me, but God... and Him helping me. But I'm pretty sure that as I aim for personal Godliness I'll find that contentment will look after itself!
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