Given the fact that it is a new year, and there is a lot of confusion, uncertainty, and fear, what should we be doing?
I would say we should be doing what Christians always should be doing. Nothing has really changed as far as that is concerned. Here are my suggestions in no particular order.
Love God and neighbor.
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Fear God and keep His commandments.
Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.
Lead a quiet life, mind your own business, work with your own hands.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Whether eating or drinking, do all to the glory of God.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.
Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.
Memorize and meditate on the Word day and night.
Pray without ceasing.
Don’t worry about tomorrow. It has enough cares of its own.
Be thankful in and for everything.
Rejoice in the Lord always.
Think about things that are true, noble, just, pure, etc.
Do everything without complaining and disputing.
Present the gospel to everyone.
Be anxious for nothing.
Seek peace and pursue it.
Trust in the Lord and don’t lean on your own understanding.
Evaluate everything, approve the excellent.
Do not be afraid for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Raise your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Train up your children in the way they should go.
Children, be obedient to your parents.
Parents, don’t exasperate your children.
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love.
In honor give preference to one another.
Do not think only about yourself, but consider the needs and desires of others.
Submit to those who have authority over you.
Be connected and committed to a local church. Know your gifts and use them for the growth and the building up of the body of Christ.
Do not forsake the assembly, but meet all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Pray for one another.
Forgive as you have been forgiven.
Extend grace, since you have received grace from God.
Be hospitable, entertain strangers and those who can’t return the favor.
As Christians, we live under the umbrella of God’s grace. There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Therefore, don’t take this list as a legalistic list. Look at it as goals, the priorities to work toward, because, truly, to live like this is Christ-like. And that is the goal, isn’t it – to be more Christ-like? If we would focus on these things, we would find ourselves less distracted by the attractions and turmoil of the world and more observant of what God is doing in our lives and the lives of others.
