Colossians 2:1-3
For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
I am not sure where the idea of new year’s resolutions came from but I do know where most of them end up. They become forgotten and incomplete. Many of them fail because of unrealistic expectations. Losing weight or reading the Bible in a year are hard goals that require help. These verses from Paul to the church in Colossae seem like an unrealistic new year’s resolution except for the fact that there are key differences. It is a community of people, indeed, a church with Jesus Christ as its head, guided by the Holy Spirit.
If not a new year’s resolution, this would be a good long-term vision for any church to have. Our goal this year is to watch our church grow numerically and spiritually through discipleship, the preaching and teaching of the gospel. A healthy church encourages one another in a unity of love, sure of their salvation because they know Jesus and seek to know him more and grow in wisdom and knowledge. Pray for us as we seek to become a Colossians 2 church in 2025. May you who read this experience these blessings this year and may your church grow in Christ!
Our heavenly Father, you are the mystery revealed to us in Christ. Thank you for the blessings of your church. May we worship you today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.