Drawing Near to God

New Year's resolutions have come to be something of a joke. People hastily pledge themselves to better habits and disciplines they have no real intention of resolutely staying with. In short order the fond wishes of New Year's are bygones, awaiting only another December 31st to be resurrected for an all-too-brief stay.

God's people must do better. Self-examination and determination to improve are necessary parts of the Christian's walk (see Phil. 3:13ff). If the turn of our calendar affords us the opportunity to engage in such disciplines then by all means let us. However, we must do so as servants of God who are deadly serious about our intent to go to heaven. This means we will not only resolve, we will do. We will not wish, we will work. We will not fantasize, we will expend the energy necessary to make higher resolves a reality. A goal as great as heaven surely must call forth such integrity and sincerity, as our words and actions are as one in all of in life. That defines integrity and must mark what we do with our resolutions, whether in December or July.

But what should Christians resolve? Which resolution is ""best?"" One must be careful here lest work in one aspect of Christian character cause a deficit in another part. Perhaps even worse, one must guard against developing a list of religious chores that leave one tired and worn out but not fulfilled with the abundant life Christ promises (John 10:10). In view of these cautions we present this issue of Abundant Life, directing you to the incredible words of James 4:8: ""Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."" Dare we hope for such? If we will strike out in the direction of God He would come to meet us - can you imagine? If our goal is to know Him, to understand Him, to be in fellowship with Him, He will not only allow such but will actively encourage it - it strains the bounds of the human mind. Yet the Lord loves and desires us like this. He wants to be our God, if we will but be His people. We really can draw near to the Lord.

What follows in this issue is an intensely practical set of articles that discuss the wonderful means by which we may know and serve our great God. They are not couched in terms of New Year's resolutions, but are useful 365 days of every year. In fine fashion, each writer calls us to serve God, to love Him and to know Him. In this way our actions are filled with meaning and purpose and we are kept from mindless pharisaical law-keeping. Further, no one need worry that one part of his Christianity will rust away when his goal is the all-encompassing idea of drawing closer to God! Best of all, each article is filled with scripture that our actions would be grounded in God's word. This will keep us from vain worship, in which we are full of desire for God but empty of a respect for drawing near to our Lord on His terms. You will find that each writer has written clearly and forcefully on how you can meet with God. Could there be a more important subject?

As our calendars change and a new year dawns it is our hope that this issue of Abundant Life will equip you to know the Lord and serve Him. He is waiting for you. Will you draw near to Him?