While we consider our performance in the secular world, we should reflect on our accomplishments as Christians, and what we have been able to achieve for God. As we look forward to next year, let us also set practical goals for our Christian life. One of the critical factors for a successful Christian life, is to read the word of God, as exhorted by Joshua in Joshua 1:8-9: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
It is essential that we know and understand the word of God and have the faith and courage to obey God wholeheartedly. God will ensure success in our endeavours. “Romans 10:17 (KJV) “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
One way to cultivate a deep understanding of God’s Word, is to:
- Study the Word of God in a systematic way, book by book;
- Adopt a bible-reading program to complete it in 1 or 2 years;
- Learn sound bible interpretation skills;
- Be attentive during Sunday worship service.
We can adopt simple but practical and achievable goals like reading the Word of God two chapters a day to complete reading the whole bible in less than 2 years.
In that respect, our church holds weekly Sunday School when we are taught principles in bible interpretation.
We follow on with Sunday worship sermons. The speaker would have spent many hours preparing the message to teach the word of God with clarity and practical life applications. James says in James 1:22-25, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror, and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”
Have an attitude of being humble and teachable when reading God’s word. Be open to God’s instructions in areas where we can change in obedience to God. Let us proactively respond to Him.
Above all else, God has saved us to do God’s will and spread the word of God to the lost.
The Great Commission of God is found in Matt 28:19-20, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Let us be exemplary Christians in both conduct and speech. Let us be ever ready to sow the gospel seed. We need to be where the non-Christians are where we could show our faith and continue to build friendships in the harvest field. Let us invite our non-Christian friends to our church gospel meetings.
Victory in our Christian life and ministry can only be achieved with fervent prayer. Let us, therefore, devote ourselves to praying for the salvation of the lost souls and the church ministries. We should also attend the weekly prayer meetings when intercede for the church ministries and the personal needs of our church members.
Much as we want to excel in the secular world, let us also aspire to excel even more in our Christian world, and look forward to a God-filled life. May God grant us the wisdom and grace as we set to accomplish our goals in the coming year.