A new year has arrived and it has brung with it the promise of improvement!   Of course, I am talking about the resolutions many of us make.   I like the idea of regularly reflecting on one’s course in life.  Where am I going? What am I doing?  What am I building my life upon?  Do I need to change course or am I on the right track?

The number one New Years resolution is all about getting in shape or losing weight.  If you made any resolutions, the odds are that you made one in this general area.   I don’t think this surprises anyone.  Our culture values, almost more than anything else, good-looking bodies.  January is the most crowded month at the gym.  EVERYONE comes in January because of the vows they made in December.  But come, mid-February, things are generally back to normal.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not dissing getting in shape….  Go ahead, and do it.   Just realize that there is something much more important that ones physical appearance.  It is the health of ones soul and their relationship with the Savior.

The ancient Roman empire valued physical appearance and health even more than the people of today.  This is what the wise Apostle Paul said to them:

 Our word for gymnastics comes from the  greek word for “training” used in this verse.   The greek youth of the day spend A LOT of time and energy developing their bodies.  What Paul was saying here is obvious:  Getting in physical shape is only valuable in this life.  It has “some” value.  But training oneself in godliness has value for this life and life beyond the grave.   The point:  spend your time and your energy in pursuit of things that truly matter and have the highest payoff.

To those of you who do not call yourselves “Christian” I offer a challenge.   Why not take this year and examine the truth claim of Christianity?  Believe it or not, Christianity is based upon truth claims that can be studied and verified.  Before dismissing it,  you would be wise to check it out.  You can start by reading our posts on The Message of The Cross.

To my brothers and sisters in Christ I offer this challenge:  What practical, tangible and measurable steps will you take this year to become a more faithful follower of the crucified and risen  Savior? 

Thanks for stopping by!