As we enter a new year, there is a natural tendency to think about what’s ahead. To plan the holiday, make commitments and set goals for the year. None of these things are wrong or ill-advised. However, I wonder if this mentality of constantly planning for the future can rob us of the joy of living in the present.
Here is my exciting pitch for what’s happening in the life of our church in 2025: pretty much the same as last year, and pretty much the same as 2026. It may be a new year but the mission doesn’t change. We are still endeavouring to glorify God, proclaim the gospel and make disciples. Sure, we hope to tweak some things, add a few small groups, improve in areas and reach our community in new ways… but overall, we want to be consistently faithful with what God has put before us.
I want this for my life as well. To be faithful in the present. To use all the opportunities that God places before me to glorify him, serve him, and serve others as best my family and I possibly can. I don’t want to get lost dreaming about when things will be easier or reminiscing on past fruitfulness when the Lord has given me good work to do today.
Think ahead, there is nothing wrong with that, but remember that what will shape your future more than dreaming is being deliberately and faithfully consistent in the present.
My Prayer for you and I this year is:
… that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9–11.
Grace to you, Glory to God