by Jeremy Paschall
It’s that time of year again. Millions of people have already begun reflecting on their lives in search of areas in which they can improve themselves. Consequently, there will be an innumerable quantity of new year’s resolutions made in the coming days. Some will be simple lifestyle changes like getting to bed earlier or watching less television. Others will be health-related such as losing weight or quitting smoking. Still others will involve financial goals, family relationships, and social aspirations. But there is one aspect of life that, even though it has a tremendous impact on every other facet of human existence and it will have the longest-term and most-serious ramifications on one’s ultimate well-being, will most likely receive the least amount of attention as people make their resolutions for the coming new year. What is this aspect of life that is so vital, you ask? One’s relationship with God.
The simple fact of life is that we are all going to eventually die and will ultimately face the Lord in judgment — “...it is appointed for men to die once and then comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). As we do, we will individually give an account of ourselves (Romans 14:12) for all that we think, say, and do while we live this life (2 Corinthians 5:10). At that point, nothing will matter except our relationship with the Judge. We will either have lived a life in accordance with His will and will enjoy the reward He has prepared for the faithful, or we will have lived a life of rebellion against His will and will be condemned to suffer a punishment that has been prepared for Satan and his servants (Matthew 25:31-46).
As we come to the close of another year and think about resolutions for the coming new year, we have an opportunity to honestly examine our lives — everything we think, say, and do — in light of the standard by which we will be judged — the words of the Lord (John 12:48). Should you find yourself falling short of a lifestyle with which the Lord is well-pleased, what should you do?
Following Moses’ death, Joshua led the children of Israel as they conquered the land of Canaan. As he neared the end of his life, thus his leadership, Joshua challenged the Israelites to make a decision — to either commit themselves completely to the service of the Lord or live in rebellion against Him. But Joshua made his personal decision clear. His resolution was to serve the Lord.
“...Fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth… If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:14-15; emp. added jp)
To their credit and for their good, the children of Israel followed the leadership of Joshua, and they too committed themselves to serving the Lord.
“The people answered and said, ‘Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods… We also will serve the Lord, for He is our God… We will serve the Lord our God and we will obey His voice.’” (Joshua 24:16,18,24; emp. added jlp)
As you begin “a new era” in life — a new year — evaluate your life. If you find yourself coming short of the Lord’s will, let me challenge you as Joshua challenged the Israelites — make a resolution to devote yourself to the Lord. Seek out His will and fully commit yourself to obeying what you learn. Resolve that you, above all else, are going to be His servant. Determine in your own heart that His will is going to be your primary concern and that pleasing Him is going to be your ultimate goal. And unlike most other new year’s resolutions that will be made, be sure to keep this one.
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” What about you and your house? Make your decision carefully, for your eternal destiny hangs in the balance.