Perhaps I might be a tad late, but it is not for lack of thought. If truth be told, I generally begin thinking about my resolutions for a new year long before January 1^st. For me, 2010 is no different. Some circumstances leading up to the birth of this year and decade have changed, while others are a bit up in the air, but for the most part, my resolutions have remained consistent.

I desire to become more Christ-like in 2010. I know full well my many faults. Despite the tendency of some to think of me too highly than I like, I have much to work on with respect to my personal habits and character. The means of accomplishing this goal remains for me the same each year unsurprisingly. I will make even more a priority my spiritual disciplines. 

Each year for the past thirteen or fourteen, I’ve made it a resolution to read through the Bible during the year. Generally, I chose a new translation or study Bible to pour through with pen in hand. This year, I’ll read through my ESV Study Bible. But along with reading through the scriptures, I want to be more diligent in praying through the texts I read each morning. Many people are much more comfortable with their prayer life than maintaining a daily time of Scripture reading. I’m the opposite. It takes more effort for me to spend quality time in prayer than to continue my habit of beginning each day with a hot cup coffee, followed by three to four chapters in the Bible.

Through prayer and Bible study, I want to become more like Christ in my behavior and attitude. Over the years, it seems (I’ve been told I’m too critical of myself) I’ve become less patient and modest and more judgmental and immature. Add to these my own certain admission of my vanity, and you have at least five personal traits I’d like to improve upon this year. I’ll open myself up to the Holy Spirit to convict me of instances when these personality flaws rear their ugly heads, repent, and move forward. I want those closest to me to see a difference in me this time twelve months from now.

In addition to my desire to become a better Christ-follower, I want to become a better pastor. I’m still relatively young when it comes to practical ministry experience. Grace Baptist Church recently celebrated the second anniversary of its first worship service. At times, I feel as if God has blessed our church plant despite its pastor. I want to continue to improve as a preacher. Through being even more diligent in my preparation and reviewing my messages, I want to work on particular quirks—my verbal bridges and length of my messages (despite my best efforts already).

I also want to be more efficient in my administrative tasks. We’ve reached that first recognized growth barrier of around seventy-five in attendance. Most experts and consultants note improved administration is key to moving beyond this barrier. I’m currently working on our Constitution and By-laws. I want to soon finish it, modify it with the counsel of my Planting Team members, and pass it with congregational approval. We’ll begin accepting church members, so I’ll put together “Grace Beginnings,” our church membership class. I also want to be a better planner, not allowing dates and events to slip up on me as they do. I want to lead our church into becoming more prayerful, ministry-minded, and evangelistic than we have been. It begins with me. I’m making it my ambition to set the example.

There are a number of other resolutions not necessarily related to my life as a believer in Christ and pastor of Grace Baptist. I want to be completely debt-free, begin building my own home, become more frugal, and procrastinate less. I want to mend broken relationships and foster others that have meant much to me through the years. I want to form new friendships with men who’ll sharpen me and I them. I want to become a better family member, professor, and writer.

So in December of 2010, you remind me to review this list to see how well I’ve kept my commitments. To you who meant so much to me in 2009, thank you for your love, patience, and encouragement. I hope you think of my impact on our life in a positive way. If not, I ask for your forgiveness and the chance hopefully this year to make amends.

Finally, may these goals be accomplished not for my own accolades, but for the glory of God and his Son, Christ. He changed my life. I trust he’ll continue to make me more like him this year.