Instead of a resolution or a word, how about an action of the year? Resolutions for the new year are great, IF you can keep them. But, most people don’t make it past April. So, a few years ago, I started choosing a word of the year instead of a resolution. In the hardest seasons of my life, I chose joy and looked for it everywhere. Last year, in 2020, I picked be, because I’m such a doer. Focusing on being instead of tasks, I made a to-be list. Now that 2021 is here, my word is act. I think we could all use a lesson in acting right.
To be or not to be
It’s time to turn be into do. Being kind means acting kind; being faithful means acting faithfully; being patient means acting patiently. Remember when everyone wore bracelets with WWJD? What would Jesus DO? The idea was to think about Jesus and how he would act, then do that.
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” Ephesians 5:1 (ESV)
Wait! It says BE imitators of God. You see, actions follow being. Whatever is inside, eventually spills out. Good or bad, the thoughts you entertain, the attitudes of your heart, eventually overflow and splash on others. What’s dripping from your life?
“But the words you speak come from the heart…” Matthew 15:18 (NLT)
Act the way you are
My word of the year is ACT. Act like a follower of Jesus. His word clearly tells us what that looks like.
Nourish your soul with truth and ask to be filled with the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. If we are followers of Christ, we should walk in the same direction.
You can’t be generous without giving, and you can’t give without being generous. What’s inside comes out and what comes out, comes from the stores within. Being and doing are intertwined.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves, Do what it says.” James 1:22 (NIV)
Action of the year
My parents told me, “Straighten up and act right.” I probably told my kids the same thing. Now I’m telling myself, and you. It’s time the world looked at Christians and saw good acts!
“Dear friends, do you think you’ll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, ‘Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!’ and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup – where does that get you? Isn’t it obvious that God-talk with God-acts is outrageous nonsense?” James 2:14-17 (MSG)
ACT
By the way, if you need a coat or a meal, email me and I’ll take care of it. vpetzh@gmail.com
Action proves what we really believe. So this year, instead of a to-be list, I’m making an action list. My action of the year is follow – follow Jesus wherever he leads. Not God-talk, but God-acts.
What is yours?
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Most of all, I want you to follow Jesus. My goal is to help you see him and be encouraged in your walk. Follow Jesus and no flawed human. If my writing or speaking points you in the right direction, it’s worth wringing out words. My newsletter will give you occasional updates and you’ll get exclusive access to a free, monthly video series exploring the Bible. It comes straight to your inbox, so I’ll need your email address. Sign up for Intermission Summit! Next episode coming soon.
