Forget New Year Resolution. Take Up This Constant Challenge Instead.

In recent years, I have been challenging myself with this question: How can I be better than I am?

As Christians, we are told in Revelation 3:16 never to be found lukewarm. The consequences are devastating: we will be rejected by our Lord. It is with this in mind that I supported my husband’s decision to take on the role of deacon. With three children in tow, one of whom was a newborn at that time, human reasoning would scream against taking up any new role or task because there would probably not be sufficient time and energy to handle everything. But we have, in our early days of marriage, decided that “for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

Often, Christians find themselves lamenting about not having enough time to work, care for loved ones and serve God. Self-care has also recently made its way into a modern woman’s list of priorities. Women are encouraged to say “no” to taking on more than they should, for fear of burnouts or breakdowns. How many of us would only agree to take on teaching bible classes or church committee roles after assessing how much work and familial commitments we have in a year? Sadly, I used to be one of them. However, as I re-examined my life and centered it on Christian living, I found that taking on more in serving God is definitely feasible.

PRIORITISE SERVING GOD

Before choosing what aspects of our lives to devote our time to, we must first understand that serving God is a privilege that only Christians are given. And in doing so, as stated in Colossians 3:24, we “will receive the reward of the inheritance.”  The promised reward should be our motivation for placing “serving God” as one of our top priorities. We must also not forget that the Bible clearly states in James 2:26 that “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” It will not matter how much we believe in God unless we have the works to prove our obedience. If we call ourselves Christians, then serving God must be a big part of our lives.

IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF OUR SERVICE

While we strive to increase the quantity of our service, we should also pay attention to the attitude we have when we serve God and if we are truly giving our best. The attitude we have when serving God is something that is often overlooked.  When we choose to serve God, we are to “do it heartily” (Colossians 3:23), “with gladness” (Psalm 100:2), and “with all your heart and all your soul” (Deuteronomy 10:12). In short, we are to serve God willingly, joyfully, and with our best efforts – not out of mere obligation, but out of love for God.

SACRIFICES ARE PART OF IT

Serving God is not without its sacrifices. More often than not, taking on new roles and tasks in the church requires sacrificing time and energy that would otherwise be spent on our loved ones. When I re-ordered my priorities, it is clear that my duty as a Christian requires me to serve God fervently. Since I cannot compromise on serving God, I try to encourage my loved ones to serve God together. Time can be spent together by working on the same church event committee or bonding in a fellowship activity. Even loved ones who are not yet part of the church can be invited to join church activities!

Motherhood has taught me the power of leading by example. If I do more for God, my children will learn that serving God is important in our lives. When I choose to teach midweek children bible classes, my children will attend midweek bible classes. When I choose to involve myself in church activities, my children are often brought along. In doing so, they will learn that sacrificing play time or early bedtime is part of how we live our lives as God-centric Christians. Over time, as these little “sacrifices” become an adopted routine, they are no longer felt as sacrifices, but simply a way of life. 

Before we decide that we have done enough for God this year or have committed to enough roles and assignments for the next year, let us think back on Jesus. After all, Jesus died a painful death in our place so that we can have the hope of eternal salvation. How can we ever think that we have done and sacrificed enough for God?