Why does our culture feel inclined to set goals only at the beginning of the year that are supposed to change their life?  How many people actually stick to the new ideas, plans, and goals?  Resolutions are defined as a firm decision to do or not do something.  Statistically, most resolutions are at the beginning of a year and involve losing weight, stopping a bad habit, or achieving a goal for the year.  Most new year resolutions do not continue past February when routines and hectic schedules change the priority of these goals and aspirations.  People simply sink back into their normal ways of life and where they are comfortable.

In Christian living, many believers aspire to gain wisdom and insight into the Word of God.  While we may seek wisdom, it is only granted through the blessings of the Holy Spirit.  Unbelievers can read the Bible backwards and forwards and see the words on the page, but it is in truly understanding the Word of God that allows us to understand Christ and to hear the Word.

Hebrews 6:1 says “therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity”.  Let us do more than read the Word of God.  Let us grow in maturity and hear and understand the stories and knowledge Christ is conveying in His message.

Knowing facts and history and culture during the Bible writings allows us to better understand and defend the Word and also have a stronger belief in it.  For example, in the gospel of Luke we know that Luke was a physician.  Further understanding the culture of the day would also tell us that the physicians of that day are not the same as doctors today.  In Luke’s time, physicians were seen as unclean and dirty.  Jews didn’t like to be unclean so usually the physicians were Gentiles.  Luke’s position was not in a high authority like readers today would imagine.  Knowing these details of the culture would allow us to see the true perspective of the times.

Consider investing into wisdom in 2018.  “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)  Don’t let the world distract you from the reach of knowledge in Jesus.  Invest into knowledge of Christ to grow stronger in your relationship with Him.  If reading your Bible daily is not working for you then try another source, such as the You Version app or an online bible study.  One of the best sources of knowledge I have found is through Verse by Verse Ministries out of San Antonio.  Stephen Armstrong dissects each verse and applies the culture and history of the time to the story being told.  North Coast Church also has an app and YouTube series and their teachings are off-the-charts on knowledge and imagery where you are drawn into the story and the situation.  Join a Bible study or find a friend to study the Word with you.  You will see improvements in your life as you grow in your knowledge of Christ.  Making time for God as my first priority every day has allowed me to have more time with my family and be able to focus more in my career.  I wish you the best of luck in the New Year and I’m always happy to discuss ways you can increase your wisdom in Christ.

Ginger Turner lives in West Texas and is happily married with three beautiful children.  Her passion is in the Bible and learning more about Christ and to spread that knowledge to anyone she can.  She enjoys working with married couples and helping them strengthen their marriage.  She spends her time on finding ways to glorify God with the grace He has bestowed upon her.