The impending New Year brings much reflection. For some, 2018 was the hardest, most-trying and sorrow-filled year of their lives. For others, 2018 was filled with joy, new life, adventure and goodness.
I find that each New Year Eve I am inspired to tackle the things that fell by the wayside in the past year.
Sometimes that means making more health-conscious choices when eating, or a more consistent fitness routine. These things always seem to find their way on my list of New Year’s resolutions.
Other things on my list this year include taking the time to practice self-care. As a new mom, I have found that more often than not my general care can fall to the wayside as I focus all of my efforts on my sweet five month old.
This isn’t just because I’m a new mom, though. I will admit that even before the arrival of my son, I didn’t do my best when it comes to going to bed at a reasonable time, reading more, limiting my screen time and taking time to practice proper care techniques.
I love all of the reflections the New Year brings. I think if we would take the time to evaluate ourselves on a daily basis, like we do at the end of the year, we could more efficiently meet goals and overall be happier.
I was listening to a sermon the other night with my husband on our way back home after being with family for a week for Christmas. Ed Stetzer spoke about urgently sharing the Good News.
He talked about a time when he and his wife were in an Uber, and the driver was tastefully-yet-relentlessly trying to tell them about Jesus and what He has done for us. Stetzer even admitted to trying to redirect the conversation many times, with no success.
This made me think—Why is what the Uber driver was doing such a rarity among Christ followers, including myself?
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you are surrounded by mostly strangers and you do something out of the ordinary because “I’m never going to see these people again, what does it matter if I embarrass myself?”
Maybe you haven’t, but I can assure you that I have. I’m NOT about to say that you should only share Jesus with people who you have no chance of seeing again, but what I AM saying is that sharing the Gospel with strangers should be one of the easier things we as Christians do.
We should urgently tell the lost world about the hope of Jesus Christ, to both strangers and the people we claim to know and love. It shouldn’t be another thing that ends up on our list of resolutions next to weight loss and skin care routines.
Don’t let 2019 be another year that you failed to do the one thing that we as Christians are called to do. This is what I’m telling myself as I look forward to 2019. This year, boldly proclaim the Gospel to the lost world like you never have before. Take hold of your life and live it purposefully and fearlessly proclaiming the Gospel.
I can assure you that at the end of 2019, you won’t regret having a part in the eternal life of those with whom you share the Gospel.
Happy New Year’s Eve!