2008

I’m sitting here at my computer with a cup of coffee and with about two more hours to go until 2007 becomes history and 2008 allows us new opportunities for service and fellowship with the Lord.

Every year, and more so as we age, we ask the question, “where has the year gone?” James gives us part of the answer, “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:14. Frankly put, our lives are quickly evaporating into the air.

I think it might be wise if we were to stop and evaluate our lives for a moment, taking stock of just what we have accomplished. I’m not speaking of how much our bank accounts have accumulated, I’m not speaking of the positions we may have obtained, nor am I asking that we consider all the gadgets we have laying around the house. I’m speaking of what we have really accomplished spiritually. I think most of us would probably be a bit disappointed. I wish I could look back at 2007 and tell long stories of all the great things I have done for the glory of God, but I can’t. I can say I love the Lord and I love what I do. I love the people in the congregation I serve and the mission agencies that graciously allow me a spot on their boards. But, our church didn’t go into a building program for all the new people. People pretty much stayed away in droves. My name didn’t appear on the ‘Who’s Who of the Christian Movers and Shakers.” Yet, I believe we are a better church than we were in 2006.

Having set the stage for ruining your whole day, let’s look at some things a bit more on the brighter side. I believe the greatest spiritual accomplishment we can have is faithfulness. I Corinthians 4:2 reminds us, “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” Those who have remained faithful in their Christian walk have accomplished much. However, that doesn’t always show up on the top ten list for everyone to see. The lesson is, let us remain faithful to the Lord in 2008 and we won’t have to look back with regret even if we can’t give the “how God used me speech.” I’m convinced that the most faithful saints seldom know how much they have been used by the Lord. The second thing I would want us to consider is this: there is no more important place to serve than where you are at. Or, as someone has put it, “bloom where you are planted.” There is no need to look at others thinking, “if I only had what they have.” “If I only had the advantages they have had.” “If only God would bless me as He has blessed them.” First of all, it is entirely God’s business as to how much or how little He will bless anyone. When Christ revealed to Peter the martyrdom he would one day face, Peter turned around and looking at John said, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus’ answer was, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” John 21:21,22. He was telling Peter, “It’s none of your business what I do with him, you follow Me.” The most important place for you to serve the Lord is where you are at with whatever gifts God has blessed you with. And He has blessed you with spiritual gifts, I Corinthians 1:7.

Being faithful is a decision you have to make every day. If you have failed in the past, confess it and move on. Every day is a new day to serve the Lord faithfully. Well, my coffee is cold, it’s closer to 2008 and I still have things to accomplish in 2007. So, I wish you a blessed New Year and would exhort you to get busy, be faithful, and have a spiritually blessed 2008.