Have you broken that new year's resolution yet?

Studies show that most people who make new year's resolutions have broken them by the end of January. Me? I generally resist making them in the first place, though I do resolve to be a better person during other times of the year.

I think the whole problem with new year's resolutions is that they feel forced and they're generally self-centered. There's nothing wrong with wanting to be a better person, but perhaps we approach becoming a better person from the wrong perspective.

This is my observation: Want to make yourself a better person? Then help someone else to become a better person. You may even find your life's calling along the way.

Through the water ministry project I mentioned in December's blog, I've learned that for many communities, having clean water changes everything. I've found my life's calling working with clean water ministry, and I've resolved to do something about it this year.

But what about you? Have you found a ministry outside the four walls of your church that you believe is your life's calling? If not, I encourage you to begin searching.

So... where do you start?

My advice is to go on mission trips, volunteer in your community, hang out with others who are making a difference in the world, and pray for God's wisdom and discernment as you go. In The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren recommends discovering your gifts and callings through trial and error. Sure, there are many spiritual gift tests around in books and on the internet; but to find your true passions in life, you just have to discover them on your own sometimes. I discovered that I love teaching older children quite back accident. I first volunteered to teach simply because I was tired of being called to sub in another class with only 5-30 minutes notice. Now, I look forward to it.

I've also come to realize that one of the best ways to grow in a relationship with God is to go on a mission trip. It can be in your state, in your country, or halfway around the world -- but something that causes you to depend on God and focus on others can be life-changing. Want your church to become less self-centered and more other-centered? Plan a trip and take them with you!

I know some people will say that their mission field is right in their own backyard. And yes, I wholeheartedly agree. But I also believe that we are still called to go and tell. In Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commands us to "go and make disciples of all nations," the word "go" literally means "as you go." (Hey, it's cool being married to a pastor, some of this stuff rubs off occasionally.) So anyway... going is expected, so let's expect to go.

What about your young children? Take them with you! Let them see first hand what being the church really looks like, and give them a head start on becoming the person whom God made as well.

posted by "Moose"

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