To Be Like Jesus [in 2006]

Dear Worshipers,

A New Year. A new beginning. A fresh start. A clean slate. The potential is almost overwhelming. With all that promise, I am certain that over the past week you have worked to say goodbye to some things and hello to others.

Maybe you want to lose a few pounds this year. Exercise more. Spend more time with the ones you love. Or maybe your thoughts are more lofty. Start a new career or business. Remodel your home. Travel abroad. Get out of debt.

Here’s one for you to consider: To Be Like Jesus. I mean after all that is the resolution of our soul. It is the one we made when we first bowed the knee to our Lord. It is the one that all resolutions should ultimately serve. Now before you dimiss this as just another pastor trying to get you to think about “spiritual things” read on.

Have you made any resolutions for the New Year? If so, how are you doing. Have they helped you to leave any old habits or lifestyles behind, or have you already left the resolutions in the past. Each of our resolutions serve the goal of ushering in what we feel would be a more enjoyable life. A life filled with health and hope. An abundant life.

Sometimes we think that living for Jesus means giving up so much. So many things that you may want to do may have to take second place, or be removed from the list altogether, if you choose to live solely for the One who is altogether lovely, altogether worthy. That is a misconception we must set aside.

Jesus said, “I came so they can real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of” (John 10:10) Isn’t that the life you are longing for? Let me rephrase that, “THAT IS THE LIFE YOU WERE CREATED FOR AND LONG FOR!” It can only be found in Jesus.

The enemy of your soul wants to steal, kill and destroy the hope of that kind of life. Do not let him. Jesus gave his very life to secure it for you!

In 2006, let us strive for the life that Jesus died to give us. Abundant, more and better than we could have ever dreamed, and not just here and now, but forever.

In Christ,

Pastor Scott