It’s a new year and time for new goals. We make resolutions to lose weight, stop procrastinating, get organized or a thousand other things that will make our lives better. While those things may be helpful and important, why not make a resolution that has eternal impact? Make a different resolution for 2015 and set a goal to get involved in ministry.
We are always so focused on ourselves and our families as we walk by dozens of hurting people without a thought. We may donate to charity or participate in a food drive once a year, but do we really give of ourselves? Just like our resolutions that are primarily focused on how we can make our own lives better, our day-to-day activities are taken up with what matters to us.
Time for a Change
If we really want to see a change in the world, it must begin with us. The Bible says that Jesus came not to be served but to serve. Shouldn’t that also be our call? How about making a change this year that begins with our focus. Instead of writing a bunch of resolutions all about us (that we probably won’t keep or even remember), why not make one goal to find a way to make a difference in others’ lives this year?
If that idea sounds overwhelming, narrow it down. Plan to make a difference by getting involved in a different ministry in your church or locate an ongoing ministry that you can devote a few hours to each week. The goal is to make ministry a part of your life, to find out what you have to give and do it.
Get Started
Begin by making a list of ways you can get involved. Your church is a great place to start or to get information about other ministry opportunities. Other organizations in your community can also direct you. Check out the local food pantry or Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter.
Don’t spend a lot of time on this task or you will waste your whole year and end up not getting involved at all. Put a few ideas down and then start contacting them to find out where they need help. Even if this is not where you want to serve long-term, it is a way to get started. Once you make the initial effort to get involved, it is much easier to find your true calling. The key is to stop doing nothing.
You say you are too busy or don’t have the time? Look at your schedule and figure out where you can make changes. Don’t say that you can’t do it because if something else came up, you would find a way to fit it in your schedule. Make time for ministry and you will see that everything that is important gets accomplished.
Instead of making resolutions for 2015 that are just like the ones you make every year, make this the year that you resolve to make a difference in other people’s lives. In doing so, you will make a lasting difference in your own. It’s a resolution that is worth keeping.
