Central Truth

The one clear element that differentiates the wise servant and a wicked servant (Matthew 24:45-51) is Resolve.  Ultimately, we all must resolve to do the things that are necessary and eternal to be ready when Christ returns.

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Reflections

Well, it's February and we're about five weeks into another new year.  For about 70% of you, the New Year served as a calendar reset and an opportunity to restart the clock on all the things you wanted to accomplish last year.  That's right, New Year's resolutions!  The bad news is that at five weeks into the year, half of you have already quit or blown it, and the other 42% are soon to follow.  Yes, 92% of people never keep their new years resolutions!  It's staggering!

I think that most would agree that the resolutions we make are generally for pretty important issues with significant consequences.  Time with family, health/fitness, habits, and debt usually top the list.  So this leads me to a question; if we are so unsuccessful at accomplishing the things that are important to us where the consequences of failure are worldly, how strong is our resolve with pursuing the things of God, where the consequences are eternal?

There are two key elements in any resolution; a decision to change, and determination to finish.  Similarly, in our relationship with God, we must first decide to follow Christ, and then be determined to faithfully serve Him until He returns.  While I made my decision to follow Christ over 20 years ago, the single thing that has helped my determination to serve Him has been regular time with God.  For me, that happens in a comfortable chair, with a good cup of coffee, through quiet conversation with God.  I read His word, listen to His voice, and am energized to face the day ahead.

In Matthew 24:48, Jesus talks about the wicked servant who lost his resolve over time...the consequences were eternal.  I urge you to resolve to say with 2 Timothy 4:7-8 that “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

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Discussion Questions

1. What are the things that prevent you from keeping your resolutions?

2. What is the "prize" or goal that you focus on to keep you on track toward finishing God's race?

3. What changes can you make to your schedule starting this week to spend more time with God?

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