Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14
It is a common thing for me to come to the end of every year and be disheartened by what I have done, or should have done in the past. It happens much of the time--most of the time, in fact. I can long consider the circumstances where I have failed. My short life already is filled with instances where I should have shared the gospel with this person: the door was open, or said something differently so that the conversation would be geared toward the spiritual. Or, I see someone cut me off for the fifth time in two miles, and the fuse burns to the end. Or, I find myself wanting to watch a certain game or show rather than spend time in prayer. And this year is no exception.
The year 2008 has been a good one for me in many respects--I am blessed to be married and encouraged by my wife, Rachelle, have found joy in seeing my son Daniel grow up more, and have completed another tedious year of school and work with money in the bank and a bed to rest on every night (or morning). But still, I have this disappointment with my "spiritual performance." I have not been as diligent as I ought to have been, loved as I ought to have loved, served as I ought to have served.
BUT, my comfort is seen and shown in Philippians 3:12-14. God has called me, and I am his own based on the righteousness of God which comes through faith (3:1-11). This is security and hope that does not disappoint. And in the midst of that I am encouraged to forget what lies behind--all of those sins and shortcomings that can consume my mind if I am not careful--and press on toward holiness and sanctification in God's presence. One way I do this is through resolutions.
Today I will be making such resolutions and often I come back to a great theologian's, Jonathan Edwards. Edwards is so God-centered in the way he communicates and that is why I commend them to you.
A resolution and helpful thought that I never before considered was one concerning pain. As I am writing this, I am in quite a bit of pain. Working at United Parcel Service can be a little dangerous sometimes, especially if you are not careful. Tonight I was not particularly so and my clumsiness did not mix with steel very well.
During this painful experience, I am trying to compare this pain with how horrible hell would be. Imagine, excruciating, unbearable, teeth-grinding pain not just for a moment or for a few days, but for an eternity. Never-ending...ever. That is what the unrepentant will go through and are going through now.
By making such a comparison, I have accomplished a few things: this makes me thankful, even in the midst of pain that what I am experiencing is not even close to what I deserve (Rom. 6:23). This brings about an appropriate fear of God, who will divide the wheat from the tares and burn the tares in an everlasting fire (Matt. 13:30). And this causes me to desire my fellow man to be saved (Rom. 9:1-3).
Truths like these also cause me to glory in the gospel: God who made man in his own image, has a creation at present who does not care one lick about him--they would rather watch the NFL playoffs than enjoy the creator of the universe! This is a tragedy and one that does not go unpunished. Indeed, if we look at our shortcomings and idolatries and think that all is well, we are foolish at best! Only by trusting in Jesus alone for the forgiveness of sins and for the hope of eternal life can we be saved (Philippians 3:1-11).
Years ago, I never would of immediately thought of such things after an accident, pain, illness, etc. Now I do, because of this resolution:
10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
And this: 29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.
May you find his resolutions to be encouraging and may we all write a few for the glory of God!
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