If Christmas is known for our focus on peace on earth and goodwill towards men (Luke 2:14), New Years is known for the increase in unbridled optimism. We all seek to be better in some way than we were the previous year. Many of us make what are now referred to as New Year's resolutions each year. These resolutions address the things that we want to change about our lives. Many of those resolutions die before springtime and never become a reality!
Some of us will seek to be thinner or in better health while others seek to be richer or less debt
riddled. Some look forward to new challenges while others seek to master their current position in life. Some of us just want to spend more time focused on our loved ones and less time involved in the "rat race". We all seek to be better in some way in our secular pursuits. What about our spiritual pursuits?
It is my hope and prayer that we have all identified areas that we need to grow in spiritually. What can we add to our faith (2 Pet 1:5) in 2010. Are there ways that we can increase our commitment of time for Godly pursuits? How can we increase in our service to mankind on God's behalf?
Today's sermon will reexamine a text that we "touched" in the summer months in the context of resolutions. In Luke 14:26-33 Jesus dealt with a person(s) who had determined, like us, to follow Jesus. Jesus laid out the "costs" of discipleship. I believe that anyone with a resolution, secular or spiritual, will need to do certain things in order for their resolutions to become a reality.
We must be ready for;
Sacrifice(s)-"hate mother and father"
Jesus wanted them to know that they would have to prefer Him to their own parents. Sometimes
this meant that they would sacrifice the relationship that they had with their families. He doesn't mean to literally hate parents. See His teaching on this same subject in Matt 10:32-39.
Struggle(s) - "bear His cross"
See Matt 10:21-25 for more on the lifestyle that the disciple can expect. When Rome executed a man he was forced to bear his own cross. This was said to show submission to Rome and serve as a
warning to others. This type of language was meant to convey the serious and dangerous nature of choosing to follow Him. Many of the 12 suffered death because of their faith. The superficial would be forced to get deeper or turn back.
Stamina - "finish it"
When Jesus was on the cross, the last words that He said were, "it is finished" (John 19:30). Jesus did what he had set out to do. Paul also talked of finishing the race (2 Tim 4:6-8). There is nothing sad-der than a person making a public declaration and then be found to turn back when times got tough. He wanted His followers to be able to endure. James 1 clearly encourages the Christian to withstand tests of faith because they produce endurance.

It is my hope that we are each successful in the things that we have resolved to do this year in our own lives. It is also my hope that we endeavor to do greater things spiritually, this year, and that we are prepared to sacrifice and struggle with as much stamina as it takes to make those resolutions real!

Happy New Year!

Bro Eli