Ready To Face Another New Year?

It has been about three months since the launch of the Newspoint blog on October of 2007. Our goal, as stated, was to “discuss current issues and events through the lens of Biblical truth.” We trust that the 43 posts between October and the end of the year did just that while providing readers spiritual insight and encouragement.

But 2007 is past and a new calendar year looms large. While recently pondering what 2008 might bring, two verses come to mind – one being in the form of a caution and the other perhaps the best advice any Christian can heed. The warning comes by way of Proverbs 27. It would seem rather obvious, but many tend to ignore its simple but stunning reality in their lives. Verse one says, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.”

The passage of advice is seen through the pen, and the life, of the great Apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippian church. Chapter 3 and verse 12 reads, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.“

Taken together, these Holy Spirit-inspired words reveal what should be the game plan for any committed follower of Jesus Christ. Paul, despite his many gifts and accomplishments, boasted in none of them. Nor did he focus in on any of his past failures or defeats. He understood fully how a preoccupation at either end of the spectrum would be unprofitable and even a hindrance to his walk with his Lord and any future service for God.

Paul’s priority was clear. His intent was to become only and exactly what God desired of him. His goal was to please God in every aspect of life. His dream was simply giving his best to the one who had given His absolute best to redeem Paul, as set forth in Philippians 2. Speaking of Christ, verse 8 states, “He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”

2008 may well bring numerous times of great joy. It may also include instances of difficulty and suffering. But whatever may come, following closely Paul’s pattern is the only real way to glorify God and be fully ready to victoriously meet and prosper through life’s many opportunities and challenges.

Bill Breckenridge