Now that Halloween is over, we can focus on some real holidays.
Thanksgiving, which reminds us we can put up with a lot of family discussions as long as the right food is involved. Christmas, which reminds us that Santa loves rich kids more than everyone else. New Year's Day, which reminds us of resolutions that we had not thought of since January 5th of the previous year.
Oh, wrong post.
Thanksgiving reminds us to count our many blessings from the Lord. Christmas reminds us that God came to us as us. New Year's Day reminds us that there is a time and season for everything, and Christ makes all things new.
Celebrating these holidays correctly presents plenty of time for self-reflection. Being surrounded by reminders of God's grace and goodness is a great time to examine your level of commitment to Him. Reflecting upon your service over the past year is never a bad idea, especially if you've made a decision to follow Christ and serve His kingdom with your talents.
In Joshua 24:25-27, we see that the Israelites had made that decision and Joshua set up both a covenant and a stone of witness as a result. I used this reference in a previous post about redefining your past, too.
Considering what we read in Judges 2:7-13, these reminders are extremely important.
Memory is a fickle thing. Our recollections fail at the worst of times, and sometimes lie at the best. To paraphrase an old song, we both romanticize and demonize our memories. In your faith life, how many times have you started anew with a covenant like the Israelites? And how many times has the Holy Spirit lovingly awakened you some time later to the truth that you had forgotten? The Israelites forgot. In fact, the very generation after Joshua’s failed miserably.
If you have determined to discover how you can best use your talents to serve the Lord. Great! But the train of life will chug on. And you may forget, just like those resolutions from last year.
How can we stop this from happening? First, watch out for incomplete obedience. Judges chapter one tells us over and over that the Israelites failed to drive out the inhabitants. Tribe after tribe didn’t finish the task. The heathens left in the land were idolaters. The first step away from God is the first refusal to obey.
Second, set up reminders. If you’ve made a promise to the Lord, set up some tangible way to be reminded. Joshua used a stone, but it was immobile and the people were not. Only you know best what might work in your life.
Third, stay in the Word. Joshua wrote the words down for the people, but written words only help if they are heeded. Stay close to the Lord, and your commitment, by staying in His Word.
However you and your family prepare for the holidays, use some time to reflect on what you've done for Christ, and pray about what He will do through your life in the future!
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