My New Year's Resolution - STAY ADDICTED TO LIFE CHANGE

Over the course of the last few weeks, our team has spent a lot of time talking about the need to go to a third worship celebration. To be honest, we did not think that we would be at this point nine months into the new building. God, obviously has different plans!

Needless to say, when we have to add additional services, we have to remind people why we do what we do. That is understandable. It is easy to fall into going negative and forgetting what is most important.

As I spent time in prayer and reading the Scriptures this morning, I came to a personal conclusion — I had to confess to the Lord that I am simply addicted to life change! I think I heard Him say GOOD! :-)

I stumbled across Philippians 4:1 which says, “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, and that is how you should stand firm in the Lord.” In and of itself, that verse doesn’t say a lot. You have to look at the section right before this pericope. (3: 12 — 21) When the Word tells us that is how we should stand firm, it is talking about pressing on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus. In that section, the apostle Paul goes on to talk about the way in which the Holy Spirit takes control of our, “lowly bodies” so that we can be like his glorious body! To read the entire chapter, go here.

As I studied this passage, I was reminded of the utmost importance of what we’re doing in the Kingdom of God! The teaching and passion of the apostle Paul was to run the race to win! (BTW – that is why I was so ticked off last Sunday when the coach of the Indianapolis Colts did NOT play to win but rather played it safe. I don’t care if it is business, politics, marriage, parenting, or ministry – like the apostle Paul, I think we should play to win!)

And a win, according to the entire New Testament, is when people experience the love, grace, power, and transformation that comes when someone has an authentic personal relationship with Jesus. And personally speaking, I am addicted to that encounter in my own life and will strive to bring others to that same experience until the day I die. If God will keep sending the people I will joyfully preach as much as God calls me to preach! If it means I die a little prematurely than I would have otherwise, that too is cool. Paul said somewhere else, “To live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

When it is all said and done, though, I want to echo the words of the apostle Paul when he said towards the end of his life, “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have long for His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:6 — 8)