I admit I’m not big on New Year resolutions. Most of the time, this trend is cliche and shallow. Not to mention, most resolutions are forgotten about in the first month or two. Don’t get me wrong, I believe, resolutions and goals are healthy. It’s important to know where you are going. It’s the trendiness of it all that bothers me.
Like I said, I’m in line with the principle of it all, our eyes need to be set on a destination. Someone once told me, “Where you focus is where you will end up.” Those are wise words. We need checkmarks along the way to our destiny.
This new year, I challenge you to think about your focus a little deeper than just losing 10 pounds by summer. I suggest that you make this year less about “goals” and more about making sure your eyes are set on the right things.
In the book of Proverbs, also known as the Book of Wisdom, it says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (29:18). Over the years, I’ve seen this scripture used in many ways – some good and some confusing. I’d like to give you a better understanding.
When it comes to scripture, it’s important to consider the translation. I’m not going to get into the whole translation debate, but I encourage you to read multiple translations when you are trying to understand a scripture or a passage in the Bible.
When it comes to the Proverbs passage mentioned earlier, I love how the ESV and NIV versions translate the passage because it gives it a fuller, richer understanding. Those translations use the word “revelation” instead of “vision”. “Where there is no revelation, the people go unrestrained.”
The writer isn’t talking about your goals on a vision board. He is talking about keeping your thoughts on the divine. Colossians 3:1-3 says it better, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”
You don’t need a New Year’s resolution; you need your eyes set on the unseen divinity of heaven. I encourage you to ask the question, “Where do I have my eyes set?” Are they set on yourself, on your worries of life, on your success? If your goals aren’t inspired by God, you are wasting your time. Just as the Proverbs remind us, we need God to reveal to us what matters most before we move forward in life. If we don’t have revelation, we will end up dying in a purposeless pit (my translation, by the way).
What would it look like for you to focus your attention on Jesus this year? Have you ever given that thought a real chance? Maybe this is the year you commit yourself to that idea for better or worse to see if it is fruitful.
Make 2024 the Jesus year and I’m confident you will not be disappointed. As a matter of fact, you will feel more alive than you ever have before.
And I say this with all sincerity…if you need some help, reach out chad@kcfchurch.org or visit Koinonia Church sometime.
Blessings,
Pastor Chad
Chad Fagundes is Men’s and Outreach Pastor at Koinonia Church in Hanford, CA. He can be reached at chad@kchanford.com or 559-582-1528.