2011 Resolute

I got called an “Old Timer” the other day and I almost took offence to it, but then a funny thing happened – wisdom kicked in. Hey, an old timer is one who remembers when people aimed to get to heaven instead of the moon. In the old days, when I was growing up, the dirtiest four-letter word I ever heard was - WORK. I’m not there yet, but I’ve been told the difference between the old and the young – The old forget and the young don’t know. Well, I’m not burnt out yet and I’m not about to give up my old timey ways for the sake of being politically correct or socially tolerant. In fact I’m going to work harder at pleasing God in 2011 and becoming wiser for the future.
We are blessed to have reached this point in life. Having survived another year we need to concentrate on making the most of the one before us. * Live for the day and those yet to come. Like Paul, “…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). Too much of life is wasted looking back, regretting failures, mistakes and lost opportunities. Such accomplishes nothing and it robs us of the time and energy to be productive in the days we do have. * Resolve to set your house in order, beginning today. Today is the beginning of the rest of your life. Make the most of it you can. From now on, put first things first (Matthew 6:33). * Remember your Creator (Ecclesiastes 12:1). Love Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30). Demonstrate that love by seeking His will for your life. Search the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11) and make every effort to obey them to the best of your abilities (Matthew 7:21). * If you have not already, commit your life to Christ. Enlist in His sacred cause. Proudly take the name Christian and make His church a vital part of your daily life. Give it precedence over social clubs, sports and recreation. While these may have some merit, none compare with Christ’s church. When the time come to leave earth’s realm it is to the church you will look to close the final chapter of your life and commend your soul to God. * Do all the good you can to all the folks you can. At best we have only a few years left. Resolve to use every day to serve your fellow man. Jesus said “…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Good, done in the name of Christ, is treasure laid up in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). * Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17), thanking God for the blessings you have enjoyed and must have to survive even one day. * Tell everyone you know about the marvelous Savior who has so enriched your life. Share the joy you have found in Christ. Urge them to, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him” (Psalm 34:8). * Live in peace with God and man, relishing every hour, joyfully awaiting the day when He will call you home (2 Peter 11-14). Life boils down to this: “…Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. "For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments (Matthew 24:37-40). When it comes to serving each other physically and spiritually, “All we have to give - is - all we have to give.” Are you willing to give up your selfish social status for the comforts of heavenly wisdom?