“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” – Romans 12:1-3
I have never really been one to make New Years Resolutions. Even now, it is already the 13th and I am just now thinking about what resolutions I would make if I were to make them. I have decided to exercise more and not snack just because I’m bored, but I don’t consider those resolutions, really (not sure why not…).
More importantly, however, I have decided to really focus on loving others. I have come to realize how much I lack a gentle spirit. I am loud and rambunctious and usually speak my mind before thinking, but rarely am I gentle. I would like to work on this this coming year (or semester at least). Also, somehow along the way I have got it in my head that expressing my appreciation and love for others is hard (maybe because it makes me vulnerable?). I really want to learn how to love without hindrance, with God always in my front and peripheral vision. I know that this will cause me to grow weary and I may lose heart because people are challenging sometimes, but that’s why I love the verse above!
This verse also encourages me to fix my eyes on Jesus. I am now single and, like most girls, I am not without my crushes (well only one, really). During praise and worship this evening, however, I was really encouraged to focus on Christ, as the things of this world will grow strangely dim. When I am ready, God will provide the right man for me who shares my heart for Christ. In the mean time, I expect a lot of growth and repeated submission to Who I really should be focusing on.
P.S. The rest of Hebrews 12 goes on to talk about discipline, which just happens to be the topic of our chapel series for the rest of the semester. I am extremely excited about this because I will also be attempting to be more spiritually disciplined this semester.
