New Year’s Goal

I am not one for making New Year’s resolutions, but as I contemplate the year before me, I am drawn to Paul’s words in the Philippians, chapter three.

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; (Philippians 3:10 KJV).

Rather than a resolution, I am faced with a goal.

My goal is not to be a better Christian but to KNOW HIM better.

Paul, the Apostle, set aside everything of earthly worth to pursue the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Nothing was more important.

In verse 10, Paul talks about how he will know Christ. His words provide a guide for me.

I will know the power of Christ’s resurrection.

I cannot live a Christian life in my own power. Anything good or right in me is solely due to Christ’s Spirit within me. Therefore, if I am to know Christ better, I will yield to the leadership of his Spirit within me. I will depend on his sustaining power no matter what I face.

I will know the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings.

This is a difficult concept, but it is one that is throughout Christ’s teachings. Following Christ brings suffering to my flesh. The will of God is contrary to my natural state, and it requires that I sacrifice my preferences and tendencies to his plan. This is difficult. Also, as I choose his way over mine, I will run head long into conflict with the systems of this world. Beliefs and actions that are prevalent in society are at odds with God’s truth, so following Christ often puts me at odds with them. As I stand with and yield to God’s Spirit, persecution may result.

All of this will conform me, shape me more closely into his image, and that is what Romans 8:29 says that God is working to do.

How will I reach my goal of knowing him better? The same way that one knows anyone better. By spending time with him, learning his language in his Word, talking with him in prayer, loving him, by living in his presence every moment.

This year will bring challenges. I will depend on his grace and strength to lead me through.

This year will bring failures. I will turn to him for grace and forgiveness.

This year will bring opportunities. I will depend on his wisdom to guide me.

This year will bring trials. I will look for how God is molding me into his Son’s image.

This year will bring sorrow. I will lean on his comfort.

This year will bring great joy as I grow in the knowledge of my Lord and Savior, so I will do as commanded in Philippians 4:4 and rejoice in him.

Won’t you join me in seeking to KNOW HIM this year?

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13 – 14).

Photo – Glacier National Park, Beth Mims