In the children’s fantasy Alice in Wonderland, Alice came to a fork in the road that led in different directions and asked the Cheshire Cat for advice.
“Cheshire-Puss — would you tell me please, which way I ought to go from
here?”
“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat.
“I don’t much care where,” said Alice.
“Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat.
The cat had it right. If we don’t know where we want to go, then any road will do.
As we begin a new year I’d like us all to ask ourselves – “Where do I want to go as I face the new year?” Certainly, we must not be as Alice in Wonderland who didn’t care where she was going. Christian people have come to faith and life in Christ. We do care about the direction and destination of our lives. This is why we have repented and continue to repent turning from our natural and sinful ways. It needs to matter to us what God’s purpose is for us each day and through the new year.
Consider the simple statements of purpose Jesus gives us. These can be our call and direction for the new year.
In Matthew, Jesus gave us the Great Commandment:
“Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’” (Matthew 22:37)
This is a call to daily worship and putting God first in everything!
In Mark, Jesus gave us the Great Commission
“He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” (Mark 16:15)
This is the call of sharing God message of Jesus (the Good News) to our neighbors.
In Matthew, Jesus calls us to Discipleship
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:19–20)
This is the call to become obedient, growing, and active followers of Jesus.
In Luke, Jesus gave us the Golden Rule
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)
This is the call to loving others with the love God has given us through Jesus.
It makes no sense (as the cat told Alice) to face our days without specific direction and destination goal and purpose. Take some time to reflect and meditate on each statement. They are easy to remember (Great Commandment / Great Commission / Discipleship / Golden Rule) and can be part of daily prayers as we ask the Lord to make each our purpose for living out this coming year.
Happy New Year
Pastor Mark
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