The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Matthew 13:44-46
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It’s been just over a week since the start of the new year.
How are your resolutions going?
It’s common for people to make resolutions this time of year in search of a better life.
We choose to exercise more, eat healthier, go to bed earlier, spend less time on social media, or start more productive habits.
But how many of us choose resolutions in pursuit of God and His kingdom?
How many of the newfound practices that you decided to incorporate into your life last week were designed to bring intentionality and discipline into your relationship with the God who created you and loves you?
There are, of course, benefits to resolutions of every kind. But it’s important that we don’t neglect the most important.
Or, as Paul once wrote, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
And as the Jesus taught us in the parable above, The kingdom of God is worth more than anything else we could attain.
Sometimes, a mere shift in motivation can help align our personal development goals with the Kingdom of God.
For example, if your resolution is to lose some weight, this can still be a spiritually focused desire. The question becomes, “Why do you want to lose weight?”
Is your goal so that you look better in a swimsuit and show up your ex? Or is your desire to lose weight so that you can be the healthiest you that you can be so that you can be as effective as possible for the Kingdom of God? Same resolution… different motivation.
If your resolution is to get a new job, why do you want a new job?
Is the goal so that you can make more money for yourself? Or do you want a new job that better aligns your God-given passions and talents with opportunities to serve and help others?
If you made a resolution to be more productive, what do you want to be more productive in?
Again, is your desire to improve yourself so that you can add more to your personal kingdom? Or is your desire to become as productive as you can possibly be for God’s Kingdom—the one that will never spoil, or fade?
It’s been just over a week since the start of the new year.
What pursuits (and resolutions) have we incorporated that will bring us closer to God and provide opportunity to complete the good work that He prepared in advance for us to do?
Because everything else pales in comparison to the treasure of God’s great Kingdom.
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Prayer
Heavenly Father, I choose to align my new years resolutions with you. May I do everything I can to grow closer to you in every aspect of my life. Thank you for your unconditional love and your beautiful kingdom. Amen.