By David Ettinger
I’ve never been much on 2 things: Making resolutions and selecting a “theme verse” for a given year.
I find that both are difficult to hold to, along with the fact that the Lord does not call upon believers to live a year at a time, but day by day. Jesus said: “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).
Having said that, the changing of the calendar from one year to the next does serve as a symbolic opportunity for improvement, and I find myself yielding to its allure. Therefore, I’m kind of making a New Year’s resolution based upon a Bible verse, hence a Verse-Resolution.
The verse is Philippians 1:27: “Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”
Actually, it is the first part, “… conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ …” which is my main focus. This has always been an impactful verse for me as it has too often come to my consciousness AFTER I have behaved in a manner NOT worthy of the Gospel of Christ.
I tend to be a little too sarcastic and sometimes let my sense of humor tiptoe into areas it shouldn’t. Also, I can be quite moody, grumpy, and unloving – behavior which does not glorify Christ.
So, to wrap up this short missive, my Verse-Resolution for this year – and hopefully the rest of my life – is to do a better job conforming to my calling in Christ, and more resolutely striving to “live out” Philippians 1:27.
I desire for 2021 to be a year in which I conduct myself in a manner worthy of the Lord Jesus.
I imagine most of you are like me, that is, not big on resolutions. But if there is one area of your Christian walk you would like to “tighten up,” what would that be? I’d love to know!
vicklea
December 31, 2020
I like your verse choice. I choose a word instead. This year, my word will be “obey.” I hope to obey what God tells me to do when He tells me to do it, to the best of my ability.
LikeLiked by 2 people
dettinger47
December 31, 2020
A great word — and a great goal — for 2021. Have a blessed one, Vickie!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ryan Callahan
December 31, 2020
Amen! I second that in my life as well. May the Lord help us be more like Him every day! God bless!
LikeLiked by 2 people
dettinger47
December 31, 2020
Amen. Well said, Ryan!
LikeLiked by 2 people
craig
December 31, 2020
It is always good to exhort ourselves with relevant scripture. Great verse choice, and I appreciate your candor. For me and the ongoing challenges I face, two things come to mind: “Hold fast,” and “Do everything in love.” May the Lord strengthen and encourage us as we seek to follow Him more and more closely.
LikeLiked by 2 people
dettinger47
December 31, 2020
Great objectives, Craig, and I agree: May the Lord strengthen and encourage us as we seek to follow Him more and more closely.
Have a blessed 2021!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Bruce Cooper
December 31, 2020
Hi David, I would have a tendency to think my interactions with others would be a primary concern, both in person and/or if interacting with others on multimedia platforms. I’m thinking of things like taking a good hard look at my own shortcomings BEFORE I decide to voice my concerns about others who have shortcomings. Making judgements about others Christians is not wrong but making judgements about other Christians when I myself have similar shortfalls IS wrong. Hence, not being hypocritical etc. The awareness of my own dependency on God’s grace, how this also needs to be extended to others, as long as primary Christian doctrines are not being challenged or outright sexual immortality are not being advocated etc. Focus more on building up etc. Be more willing to extend some flexibility over differences of opinion etc. Now that you’ve got me started here, I could go on for a considerable period of time. I guess to summarize, understanding that EVERY word I type or speak should be filtered before it is let loose. Filters include: am I responding in anger, is this necessary, what is my motivation, how can I voice this concern without causing unnecessary offence etc and lastly, is it necessary for me to express my opinion at all? And the verse resolution, how about Matt 5:48 “ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” That should definitely make for a quieter New Year! Blessings!
LikeLiked by 3 people
dettinger47
December 31, 2020
Excellent, Bruce. Thank you for sharing. Your summary best summed it up (as it was intended): Understanding that EVERY word I type or speak should be filtered before it is let loose.”
Amen to that!
Have a blessed 2021, Bruce!
LikeLiked by 3 people
jarilissima
December 31, 2020
I tend to ask too much of Christian blogs, as you may have noticed 😆 Someone will have a blog like:
✌️😊 “Peace and love! Jesus says forgive everything!” And I come in like:
✍️🧐 “Could I please get specific instructions and advice on how to forgive life-changing assault perpetrated by your own parents in a Biblical manner?”
✌️😐 “…”
So… maybe I should realize that bloggers have generally good intentions, not all the answers, and I should probably just let them write their positive stuff without asking them to look more into it. I mean, I don’t do it to be mean, I really like getting advice, but I should probably chill.
LikeLiked by 3 people
dettinger47
December 31, 2020
By far and away, this is the most unique response I’m going to get!! 😆
I share your sentiments as I sometimes want to challenge people for what they write. I would say this: If, in your opinion, something really needs questioning, then by all means do it. However, as you mentioned, do it in a “chill” fashion.
Thank you for your excellent feedback, and have a blessed 2021!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Blue Collar Theologian
December 31, 2020
Hey, Jarilissima! If you ever want someone to talk with about forgiving difficult situations or just talk about applying the Bible in daily life feel free to contact me at als0810@comcast.net Too often Christians forget that forgiveness is a process and not a one time event. There have been situations with my dad where I have to say over and over to myself, “I forgive you” until the sting and pain lesson. It’s not easy, I do not claim to have all the answers but I am a good listener, so if you’re interested, feel free to contact me! Have a Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 2 people
dettinger47
December 31, 2020
Very nice of you, Mandy.
LikeLiked by 2 people
jarilissima
December 31, 2020
Thanks so much for the offer, you are so kind! I appreciate your kindness, as well as Mr. David Ettinger’s too 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Blue Collar Theologian
December 31, 2020
Well said, David! I have nothing to add that hasn’t been said by you or in the comments above. Happy New Year! May 2021 be your best walking year in the Lord yet!
LikeLiked by 1 person
dettinger47
December 31, 2020
Same to you, Mandy, and thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
heavensreef
December 31, 2020
Oh David thanks for highlighting this verse! And I will now mark it in my Bible if I haven’t already done. It is a good one to embrace…….you know I choose a word for the Year, just to focus on. This year the word is LIGHT. But I want to be better about reading through the Bible and already have a head start. This will help since I always get slow in the year and then don’t quite finish. Another good one that relates to your scripture here is: PSALM 19: 14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in YOUR sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Cause I do have the heart issue that creates the mouth issue!!
May your NEW YEAR be filled with HIS peace and love.
LikeLiked by 1 person
dettinger47
December 31, 2020
Thank you, Maxine. “Light” is always a great word when it comes to the Lord Jesus. And I’m glad you already got started on reading through the Bible, should definitely serve to give you momentum going into the New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
heavensreef
December 31, 2020
Yes that is just the word I needed to hear……momentum! I won’t be pulled sideways this year!! Very determined…..more than in the past which is a good thing! Thanks for your encouragement!
LikeLiked by 1 person
ladysheepdog
December 31, 2020
Too hard to just narrow it down to just one – lol. Thankful as always for His Grace and Mercy. Remembering Philippians 1:6 That He will complete what He begun in me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
dettinger47
December 31, 2020
Amen. Philippians 1:6 is a great aspiration for the New Year! Thank you for contributing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
mrsmariposa2014
December 31, 2020
A great verse and a great goal, David! For myself, I just want to seek His presence more and let my days be spent on what He has for me to do. Even though my days are often busy, I have felt myself grow idle at times when it comes to the things of God and allowed circumstances to keep me the more important tasks of sharing Christ and showing His love to others. As to a verse, I like so many on seeking His face, but this stands out to me from Col.3:1-2:
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Sending prayers your way as we each approach another year of walking by faith. Blessings on you and yours in the new year!
LikeLiked by 2 people
dettinger47
December 31, 2020
Amen, Marisa. Thank you for sharing, and have a wonderful and blessed 2021!
LikeLiked by 1 person
mrsmariposa2014
December 31, 2020
*keep me from, that is. Another goal: get my brain in sync with my typing. 😏
LikeLiked by 1 person
dettinger47
December 31, 2020
Hah!
LikeLiked by 1 person
seekingdivineperspective
December 31, 2020
Great verse-resolution, and what a challenge! If we all could behave in a manner worthy of the Gospel at all times, what a different place this world would be! (And there’s be a lot more believers. I’m guessing …
)
LikeLiked by 1 person
dettinger47
December 31, 2020
Amen to that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
dawnfanshawe
January 7, 2021
A great goal, David. Mine is to live more focussed and, in my prayer to life, to listen, ask, believe and give thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
dettinger47
January 7, 2021
Amen, Dawn. A great goal for you, as well!
LikeLiked by 1 person