Its time to sharpen that pencil, pull out that pad of paper, and write down the things you hope to accomplish this next year. But before you do, take a minute and consider a few things.
I’ve made my share of lists. I’ve won some, I’ve lost some. Let’s be clear: I’m not a list hater, I’m not a resolution hater, and I’m not a goal hater. Just hear me out.
I’ve noticed something that happens around this time of year as people are making their lists. And it happens quietly.
We think that the ultimate goal is a “better you”.
We think that the natural result of completing a good list is a better life.
We make the center of the list “me”. A “successful” me. A “thinner” me. A “less-stressed” me. A “happier” me. A “creative” me. A “financially secure” me. A “peaceful” me. A “friendlier” me. A “more charitable” me.
Meanwhile, that irritating guy named John said in John 3:30: “…less me.”
I submit to you that you can make a fantastic list of wonderful, worthy things to accomplish this coming year and you very well may achieve them all. But if “me” is at the center and “me” is the highest goal, you’re going to find that the goal of a “better me” isn’t enough.
So as I make my list I’m definitely wanting to be healthier. I’m definitely wanting to be more successful. I absolutely have goals that I’d love to see accomplished this coming year. But not with me and my ego at the center; with Jesus and His glory there. And this is both a personal decision and an ongoing, daily battle. It is in the minutia of each hour that I tend to seek more me, and that automatically equals less Him. So don’t think I’m pounding out a quick blog and thinking I’ve done anything. I’ll click the “Publish” button, stand up, and get to doing what I’ve briefly expressed here. Some of you will see me living. At moments I’ll be less and at other moments I’ll be more. But underneath it all I want less “me”.
Go ahead and make your list. Write it down, pin it up, and live it out. But do it for something–Someone–greater than “me”.
jerrythinks. 