Each year at this time we are encouraged to start anew, and resolve to do better this year than last. “This year I will save more, eat less, exercise more, call my mom,” etc. As we take stock of where we have been, and where we might be going, might I suggest we resolve to deepen our walk in the Marks of Discipleship?

We as Christians are encouraged to grow in our life of faith and in our relationship with Jesus Christ. We as a congregation have encouraged the six Marks of Discipleship as a way for us to continue to focus on the need to Love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and to Love Neighbor as ourselves. These marks are summed up by Pastor Michael Foss in the acronym PoWeR SuRGe: that is, a follower of Jesus Christ is one who Prays daily, Worships weekly, Reads scripture daily (love of God,) Serves within the congregation and beyond, cultivates Relationships with other Christians for support and accountability, and Gives generously of their time, talent and treasure (love neighbor.)

How are you doing in these Marks? Is there one for you that is in more need of emphasis than the others? As we resolve to “do better” in this coming year, which of these might be a place for you to begin to give intentional effort? Do you pray every day? Worship each week? Read scripture each day? How do you serve Jesus by caring for the world for which he came? Do you have intentional, spiritual relationships? How is your giving? Are you truly a generous, cheerful giver? While they are each important, sometimes the easiest way to make progress is not to strive to do all things well all at once, but rather to take steps to growth.

The problem with resolutions is that we are so quick to fall away from our resolve. The benefits we would receive do not come to pass because we are so much more comfortable with continuing on our current path. Often that means we “harm” ourselves. For example, if we remain overweight, we do not gain a healthier self. To resolve to grow in the Marks of Discipleship involves someone beyond ourselves. This resolution benefits not just us individually; it makes a difference in our relationship with Jesus himself.

Let us not miss the opportunity to grow closer to Jesus. Let us resolve to grow in this relationship. Perhaps, rather than trying to do so all at once, we can resolve to grow deeper and more faithful in one of these Marks at a time.

May God give you the resolve to grow in Prayer, Worship and Reading, Serving, Relating and Giving as we move into this new year!

- Pastor Karl M. Richard