Resolutions Or Revolution?

Here we go… a new year! Resolutions, commitments, goals, visions... And to motivate and encourage us, we read Blogs, posts, and words of wisdom. (I have posted my share.) But, instead of resolutions, how about if we start a revolution? Read on...

Allow me to be simple: As Believers, you and I have the sacred responsibility to be salt, light, encouragement, Disciple-makers, and Kingdom-builders. I am not referring to standing on the street corner with a bullhorn, being more of a nuisance than an inspiration.

Rather, I am referring to the pattern Jesus established for us: Daily, consistent, purposeful words and deeds, investing into the lives of others, to draw them to the Lord, and draw them to invest themselves in others.

Doesn’t sound that simple, does it? Allow me to give you an easy first step: Love. Jesus said in John 13:35 “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” How can we let the world know we are followers of Christ? It’s simple: Love each other.

Here are three suggestions that will demonstrate our love for others:

• Share Grace rather than Gossip. Listen to yourself: How often do you talk about others (including game officials, politicians, waiters, and strangers who take a long time in the line in front of us)? Jesus said that life doesn’t revolve around us. By seeing others as real people, with real needs, and real heartaches, instead of seeing them as inconveniences and people with contrary opinions, we'll stop our gossip.
• Pray For rather than Post About those we disagree with (again including game officials, politicians, waiters, and strangers). Imagine how your world and the world of a person would change if you stopped and prayed for the person you had a problem with, rather than publicly gossiped about them? (Isn’t that what posting displeasure is: Gossip?)
• Love rather than Judge others. We are quick to judge. Usually it’s because others are different from us: Different culture, different opinions, different tastes, even different worship styles. When we judge, we evaluate others based on what we think is right. As we see it, our opinion outweighs truth. And truth can only be found in God’s Word. When a person is contrary to God’s Word, we should love them to Him, not judge them away from Him.

I am believing that this next year will be a great year for the Kingdom of God. We can play a big part in expanding that Kingdom and building Disciples by being people of love. That’s how the world will know that we are His disciples. And that will revolutionize our lives.

Lead Well!