I must 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 I don’t like.
Our eyes do need to be set on a destination. Someone once told me, “Where you focus is where you will end up.” Those wise words give insight into the “sheepiness” of humans. We need check marks along the way to our destiny, or else we can get distracted and end up dying in a hole, like sheep.
This year, I’d like to challenge you to think about your focus a little deeper than just losing 10 pounds by summer. I’d like to 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 cast off restraint or perish. Blessed is the man that keeps the law.” (29:18) Over the years, I’ve seen this scripture used in many ways – some good and some confusing. It can be really annoying when it is used out of context to create an inspirational meme.
As 2025 begins, I’d like to give you a better understanding. When it comes to scripture, it’s important to consider the translation. 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, I love how the ESV (prophetic visions) and NIV (revelation) 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 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’d like to 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 like Proverbs reminds us. We need God to reveal to us what matters most before we move forward in life. If we don’t have revelation, we can end up dying in a purposeless pit.
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 and 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.
I say this with all sincerity, if you need some help, reach out at chad@kchanford.com 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 559-582-1528.