By: Dr. Jeff Fuller
Of course, we all admit this is one strange, crazy, weird year…again. Someone said that 2020 changed clothes, cut, and colored her hair, and showed up as 2021. With a year like this, it might be hard keeping those resolutions, so let me ask…
How are the resolutions going? You know, those things you established as goals for 2021. Things such as eating less, exercising more, quality time with family, or any number of things to make you a better you.
I hear you groaning, “Wait a minute, Bro. Jeff,” you say, “it is only the first month of the year. Give me time, okay?”
Right you are, but if you are like me you wonder if you will ever reach the stated goal. We are like the kids on a long ride in the automobile asking, “Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?”
That is the way we are. Do you feel like you will never get where you are going? There are times when you get discouraged, dismayed, down hearted because progress does not seem to be seen. This is true when we establish resolutions, but it is also true when we are seeking a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
A song comes to mind. One we all find ourselves humming sometimes along the way. Various artist recorded this song during their careers: Cristy Lane, Lynda Randle, Merle Haggard, and Patsy Cline. The words are wonderful, especially the chorus:
“One day at a time sweet Jesus
That’s all I’m asking of You
Just give me the strength
To do everyday what I have to do
Yesterday’s gone sweet Jesus
And tomorrow may never be mine
Lord help me today, show me the way
One day at a time”
One of the verses is timely:
“Do You remember, when You walked among men
Well Jesus You know if You’re looking below
It’s worse now, than then
Pushing and shouting
That’s crowded my mind
So for my sake, teach me to take
One day at a time”
The people in Philippi, probably felt the same way we do about not seeing progress in their own relationship with Jesus. We find Paul wrote the letter we now know as the book of Philippians. It is here, Paul reminds us that following Jesus is about progress not perfection.
Jesus gives us what we need to take steps-one step at a time-to becoming more like Him. It is joy from Jesus which allows us to overcome anxiety about our circumstances. It is Jesus who helps us become humble, leading to unity in our relationship and in the church. And as we follow the example Jesus has set before us, an example of peace that passes understanding, we move from being selfish and self-centered in our living and in our learning.
Progress is often hard to see day by day, but every small step of obedience can shape our hearts, making us more like Jesus. As we take the small steps, we are helping to spread the Gospel that Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord.
Remember the song says:
“Lord help me today, show me the way
One day at a time (one day at a time)”
We take one day a time. We take one step at a time. We take one breath as a time.
“Therefore, submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people! Be miserable and mourn and weep. Your laughter must change to mourning and your joy to sorrow. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” James 4:7-10 (HCSB)
Until next time…