The new year is a wonderful time to reflect. There are other good times for that, of course, but with a fresh year ahead it can give a different outlook.
So with a clean slate before us, so to speak, I think of Romans 12:1-2. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
I haven't been one to make New Year's resolutions in the past because many of the examples I've heard were made so flippantly, and there seem to be so few taken seriously that the resolution isn't kept. Perhaps, that's because in our own strength, we simply fall short like an arrow dropping before the target. Recently I've acquired The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards, who was one of the well-known evangelists of the 18th century. The key resolution, written as a preface to the 70 resolutions to follow, is this: "Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat Him by His grace to enable me to keep these resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to His will for Christ's sake." With Mr. Edwards quote in mind, I have one goal for the coming year for which I'll strive for more than previous years. My resolution, my goal for 2009 is Romans 1:16 & Philippians 1:20. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
Looking back at the entries of this past year, I realized that most included a song. For the start of this new year, I am going to and yet another one. One that accurately reflects the verses on my heart today, of proclaiming Christ's love, growing closer to Him, and looking for His coming.
- I'll Tell the World
- Baynard L. Fox
- I’ll tell the world, that I’m a Christian;
- I’m not ashamed, His name to bear.
- I’ll tell the world, that I’m a Christian;
- I’ll take Him with me anywhere.
- I’ll tell the world, how Jesus saved me,
- And how He gave me a life brand new;
- And I know that if you trust Him
- That all He gave me, He’ll give to you.
- I’ll tell the world, that He’s my Saviour;
- No other one, could love me so.
- My life, my all is His forever,
- And where He leads me I will go.
- I'll tell the world that He is coming;
- It may be near or far away.
- But we must live as if His coming
- Would be tomorrow or today.
- For when He comes, and life is over,
- For those who love Him there’s more to be;
- Eyes have never seen the wonders
- That He’s preparing, for you and me.
- O tell the world, that you’re a Christian;
- Be not ashamed, His name to bear.
- O tell the world, that you’re a Christian,
- And take Him with you everywhere.
