Influencers Weekly Devotional

One Resolution Only

By Bryan Craig

“Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

Fellow Influencers: As we wrap up 2011, I hope you are finding some quietness this week to rest and reflect on God’s work in your life this past year. As the new year approaches, our culture has trained us to think about “new year’s resolutions.” In January, Health Club memberships are at an all-time high as so many resolve to lose those holiday pounds. Retailers and restaurants see a significant drop in business in January as resolutions are made to spend less money. Church attendance often goes up in January as some actually resolve to work on their spiritual life. Unfortunately, as you already know, most resolutions fade away by February. Could it be that our resolutions are somewhat misplaced? Many years ago, as a young salesman, I attended a Zig Ziglar conference which was very inspiring. He divided all of life into segments and plotted them on a wheel. There was Financial, Family, Career, Mental, Physical, Spiritual, and Social. We answered a series of questions which would help us assess how we were doing in each of these categories of life. Then, we plotted our answers onto the spokes of the wheel. In some areas, we were doing very well, and our spoke was full. In other areas, we were deficient, and so, the spoke was barely filled in. After all the spokes were plotted, we looked at our “wheel of life”. He proposed that if we were out of balance, our wheel would provide a very bumpy ride. Then, we were challenged to set goals to make changes in our deficient areas to bring our life more into balance. This was actually a very good exercise, and for many years, my wife and I would sit down at the beginning of a new year and assess our life in these 7 areas. We would then set goals for our family in all of the areas. It is good to have goals and to push ourselves to be better, but I believe God has a different plan for us. The simple, yet profound, message which guides our Influencers ministry has changed my life and my perspective. “Abide in Me, and you will bear much fruit,” Jesus tells His disciples in John 15, and He tells us the same thing today. We believe the “fruit” He was referencing was the “Fruit of the Spirit- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control.” We also believe that the “Fruit of the Spirit” enables the “Gifts of the Spirit”, which shapes our ministry on this earth for God’s glory. I will go further than that. I believe if we “abide” in Christ, we will become the men of God we truly want to be. We need not set goals to lose weight, to exercise more, to spend less money, to be better Dads, etc. Our ONE goal should be to ABIDE. Out of that abiding relationship, the Holy Spirit will begin to work on the rough spots in our life. If we are overweight and out of shape, God will prompt a change in diet. If our spending is out of control, God will begin to speak to us about money. If we need to spend more time with our family, God will convict our hearts with His word in that area. God created you, and He knows the plans He has for you. He wants good things for you in life. He already knows all the “resolutions” you would make if you were going to do so. He cares about you being a better man more than you do. He cares about your health, your family, your finances, your mental well-being, your career, your social life, and of course, your spiritual life. I think we make it too complicated. It’s because we are “performers” and “achievers” and “competitive”. We think it’s all about what we can do. Do this! Resolve to “Abide in Christ” in 2012. What does that look like? If you’ve gone through The Journey, you have an idea. If you haven’t, I would challenge you to join a Journey group when the next one comes around. Until then, get your Bible and a Journal. Begin spending time reading God’s Word, just a few verses each day and start journaling what you are hearing God say to you. We use the S-T-A-R method. "S" means “Scripture Read”, "T" means “Thought Conveyed”, "A" means “Application” and “R” means “Response”. If you use this method and begin journaling through a few scriptures, you will be amazed what your Lord will begin showing you. Most important, Pray. Pray before you get started and pray after you have journaled. The more you do this, the more you will begin to connect your heart with the Lord and the more your life will begin to change. New habits will form. The old man will begin to fade away. This is not hard, men. Just open yourself up to the Lord. Remember that Jesus is “the author and perfecter of our faith”. He sent His Holy Spirit to comfort us, to counsel us and to teach us all things. Think of Him as your new “life coach”. Trust Him with the plans for 2012, and you will be amazed what He will do.