So here is my opinion on this matter: It is to your advantage, since you made a good start last year both in your giving and your desire to give, to finish what you started, so that just as you wanted to do it eagerly, you can also complete it according to your means. ~2 Corinthians 8:10-11

With the New Year right around the corner a lot of us may be wondering what our New Year’s resolution will be while others may have resolved against resolutions. Whichever group you're in you, now is the time to reflect on your choice and determine if you have made the best choice possible according to your faith.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. ~Galatian 5:16-17 (ESV)

So, why is it still so easy for us to sin? Why don’t we always feel the presence of the Spirit within us? Well, by nature we are inclined to focus on ourselves rather than the presence of God within us. We may be too distracted by our own thoughts and emotions to even hear the desires of Spirit within us. For many, daily responsibilities are enough to distract us from this essential part of ourselves. Some of us are so focused on being in control that we forget to let the Spirit lead us while others are too easily led astray by Satan’s worldly temptations.

“I, therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live worthily of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ~Ephesians 4:1-3 NET

“Live worthily...” It seems like a tall order. How could we ever be worthy in the eyes of the Lord? Well, thankfully the passage continues with specific instructions. Be humble, gentle, patient and loving while making every effort at peaceful unity.

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. ~1 John 4:7-9

The word “love” has been thrown around so much that it’s all but lost its meaning in today’s world. People “love” anything and everything from apple pie to zebra-print boots. The word has become so trivialized that it’s no wonder people treat it with skepticism and disrespect. How quickly are declarations of love met with ridicule and disbelief? How often are those who love openly taken advantage of and hurt just for fun? It seems that the meaning of love has been lost and with it, its power…

For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” ~Romans 10:13-15 

Today’s world is full of obstacles that can easily discourage us from being the disciples Jesus instructed us to be (Matthew 28:19 -20). In the US we are called intolerant for trying to share the gospel, while our faith is openly mocked and continuously restricted. Still, consider those who have been arrested in China and those sentenced to death in Iran and suddenly our obstacles seem far more surmountable.

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” ~John 13:34-35

Verse 34 above, also known as The New Commandment, is one that is fairly familiar to the Christian community. Still, its edict seems significantly under-practiced among us. If someone was looking for a fellow friend in Christ, would you stand out among your peers based solely on your actions?

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.” ~2 Timothy 1:6-8 

In a time of false prophets, political agendas and mainstream idolatry, at times it may seem difficult to stand out and stand up for our faith. The most outspoken among us may find it difficult to address the Harold Campings, Michele Bachmanns and Sean Combs of the world, regardless of our feelings toward them. Many may not feel confident enough in the scriptures to make a stand, espcially on issues that are less black and white. Others may not want to offend people or hurt someone's feelings, while some may simply be shy or afraid to speak up.

Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. ~1 Chronicles 16:8-10

As followers of Christ, we are charged by Jesus himself to go out and spread His Gospel throughout the world (Matthew 28:18-20) but for many of us this is one of the most difficult Christian disciplines to embrace. Testifying to those closest to us can be hard enough without the added pressures of testifying to strangers, but even the most shy among us can become the most outspoken evangelist when we learn to live as examples of His Word.

"He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'" Then they remembered his words. ~Luke 24:6-8

With Easter approaching, many of us are gearing up for a season of celebration; but these days chocolate bunnies, colored eggs and outrageous hats seem to eclipse the true meaning and the power behind the celebration.