The turning of a ship and the coming year may have similarities!
It is that time of year when many things are reviewed and projected. New Year’s resolutions are generally small value. They tend to fall into the same class of predictions from various famous people who prognosticate all sorts of interesting things that range from disaster to glowing success. Their presumption does not mean it’s not good to consider where one has been and where one might lead, but on what authority is their resolution or prediction based?
For the Christian, a thoughtful approach involves prayer with a recognition that some things are not guesswork. The Bible is clear that following Christ puts us in a path of fruitfulness and His peace, but it all takes place in a world (our environment) where most people choose not to follow His ways (Matthew 7:13-14). Furthermore, there is an enemy at work who is also not the least interested in the Kingdom of God (Ephesians 6:12). Also, Christ is very blunt about the ways of the world, which are contrary to the ways of the Kingdom of God (John 3:19-21). You can research any of these things and find they are biblically sound. So, where does that leave us if we want to turn to a new chapter, or embark in a different direction, or start a new calendar year with freshness?
An analogy I use with others is the turning of a ship. A large ship has momentum in a direction. If a different direction is wanted, a series of commands and actions take place that involve quite a few people and mechanical systems. Even when the rudder is turned, the ship’s momentum resists the change, so the turn is not instantaneous and requires time and distance. Then the turning force must be reversed to settle on a new course. Failure in any of the steps can be dangerous, which can put the vessel in harm’s way, or out of the shipping lane, or steadied in the wrong direction. Company CEOs and governments and ministries learn the same lesson, as a desired change requires concrete steps in the right sequence and with the right people. All of these presume that the desired result has been properly developed and thought through. Even governments and companies make big mistakes. If they don’t get it right, how can we?
So where does this lead us into this next year? Again, a prayerful look at what we have been doing and intend to do has to be open before God like an open book that He can adjust, approve, or disapprove. The process for us as servants is to hear what we believe He has said, is saying, and continue to take steps to follow Him. If He is not part of the equation, then we are following our own way, and that requires some repentance. But assuming we are open, prayerful, and prepared to obey in faith, then it’s just like the man who hears God, has good soil in his heart, and produces fruit in time with patience. He takes a course different than several others, which are mentioned and explained in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-25). Jesus says the parable has special significance (Mark 4:13). You can read the other possible outcomes, none of which are attractive in God’s economy. They can be very convicting. If they are, then repentance is the first step.
So, make plans carefully. Be prayerful. Walk in faith in God. Pay attention to His ongoing interaction and desire fruitfulness. Then, as we love Him, we will also show that love effectively, love our neighbor, help the oppressed or downtrodden, and glorify Him in our relationships, works, time, and finances. He is so gracious to help us if our steps with Him are held to be true without reservation. Then you will be in the right place and time, whether the circumstance is hard or not, and follow Him. And why would we follow Him? Because He loves us, died for us, was raised for us, and has given us the Holy Spirit. He is gathering a people for Himself and promises eternity to those who follow Him.
It’s probably time to pray and do business with God. It always is.
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If you are not a Christian, you may have read this and see that a relationship with God is foreign to you. Then, are you interested in knowing Jesus Christ for yourself? If so, talk to God as you would talk to another person. Tell Him you want to know Jesus Christ and follow Him. If you do this with your whole heart and repent of anything that you believe is between you and God, He will forgive you and you shall be saved. It starts the journey and a relationship with Him will grow. Begin reading Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. You will probably have questions. Seek other believers or a local Bible-believing church.
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