Did You Make a New Year’s Resolution?

We’ve just finished January, but perhaps New Year’s questions like these are still looming in your mind: What will this year hold?  Will I lose weight this year? What contributions can I make to my community?  Will I be more financially secure?  What surgeries are ahead of us?

There are 100’s of questions toiling in my head as I think of the year ahead. Eventually my mind begins asking questions that are not about me but about my Jesus.  What would HE have me do this year?  What challenges will He send my way?  How will I handle them?  Will I meet HIS expectations? Am I following His commandments?

There are a few verses that jumped right out at me when I began thinking about the year ahead.  Go ye into all the world (Mark 6:15)…; Love one another (John 13:34)…; and Seek ye first the kingdom of God (Matt 6:33). Looking at these scriptures, I’d like to just chat a little bit about what they mean to me.

Go ye into all the world…

What does that really mean?  (This is a commandment of Jesus, after all.) For me it means that you don’t have to travel to a foreign country (although you can) but you can spread the gospel right in the town, city or neighborhood where you live.

Are you sharing Christ?  Are you sharing the blessings you have received with your neighbors?  Are you telling them about the saving grace of Jesus Christ?

It’s sometimes easier to start with friends and family. The more you spread the word and share the gospel, the easier it will become to share with those you don’t know. Ask a good friend to let you practice the steps of leading a non believer to Christ.  Work together to think about the best approach. Keep in mind that one approach may not always work for everyone. I’ve traveled to NY, Miami, and walked the streets of Charlotte knocking on doors, and you’d be surprised at the response. What we found is that we had to tailor our interaction with the families based on the location in which they live.

At the Levine Children’s Hospital in December 2011.

It is also sometimes easier to share Christ with a simple tool or object that can help you along the way. Our family was at the Levine Children’s Hospital in December, and we shared Christ through coloring books, crayons, and gifts for the children there, which were all donated or made.

It can take some bravery and get you out of your comfort zone, but starting with small steps, you might be amazed at how far you’ve come toward “Going into all the world” by the end of 2012!

Christie Rainwater is wife to Tommy Rainwater and mom to Noah (11), Emma (9) and Luke (2). Luke was born with Spina Bifida in 2009. Christie works full time, teaches Bible studies for women and endeavors to promote Spina Bifida awareness. Along with her family, she has a passion for families with special needs, especially those with Spina Bifida. Christie has been teaching and working with Women for over 10 years, has worked with children and youth and is an active member of her community.