A New Year of Possibilities
10 Ways to be a Citizen Christian in the New Year
As each New Year rolls around, many of us create lists of resolutions for ourselves or our families. But as anyone who has ever made such goals knows, keeping resolutions is far more difficult than making them.
Remember that gym membership you purchased last year? Or the plan you made to pare down work commitments so you could spend more time at home? What about that ministry idea you have been secretly nurturing for “someday”?
It is easy to set unrealistic goals or to allow outside influences to set priorities for us. Yet Scripture tells us what the Lord requires of a citizen Christian: “To act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Mic. 6:8). As you seek to do these things this year, remember to examine your priorities in light of what Jesus has called you, personally, to do. As you evaluate past commitments and consider adding new ones, prayerfully consider how you and your family will use your spiritual gifts to honor the Lord, witness, and serve others within your church family or community in the coming year.
Ministry opportunities vary from church to church and by age and ability, but there is always some form of ministry everyone can participate in. The list to the left gives a few suggestions to inspire you and your family to include active Christian citizenship in your plans for the New Year.
Laura Headley is a freelance writer living in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina.
Work with your church’s children’s and youth groups to collect supplies for your church’s food pantry ministry or a local hunger ministry.
Begin a quilting ministry for your local pregnancy care center.
Organize a care package and prayer ministry for members of the military and their families.
Pray as a family for elected officials, church leaders, the military, and specific community needs. Keep a journal detailing the ways God has answered your prayers.
Devote one family night per month to serving meals at a local homeless shelter.
Identify and assist needy elderly folks with yard work, meals, appointments, errands, home repair, etc.
Initiate a book club for men, women, children, or youth and use it as a witnessing tool for unchurched friends.
Identify specific needs at a battered women’s shelter or halfway house and spearhead an effort within a small group setting or your church body to meet those needs.
Sponsor a children’s clothing consignment sale.
Establish a greeting card ministry to recognize birthdays, anniversaries, births, and illnesses.
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