We start thinking about our priorities as we move towards the New Year. What major family events do I have? Where will we go on holiday? Will I look for a new job or begin new training? What home improvements do we make? What schools will I need to choose later this year?
And we also think about personal commitments. Do I need to commit to getting fit or losing weight? Do I need to change my habits? Should I read more or have less screen time?
Paul, writing to the Corinthians, says, 1 Cor. 9:24 Do you not know that in a race, all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Discipline takes a prior commitment to a course of action.
When left to our feelings rather than a commitment, we never feel motivated enough. The diet always starts the following Monday.
So, as we go into 2024, I want to talk about four areas to make your commitments now that will enable you to continue to walk with God and be formed in Christ’s image, be fruitful in service and be faithful in your life.
Public Worship
What is your commitment to public worship?
Most frequently, our public worship is on a Sunday. We gather on this day because of Jesus’ resurrection. It is meant to remind us that we are new life, new creation people.
And when we do, we gather to praise, pray, read and listen to scripture, consider what scripture says, use the gifts of the spirit, and share in the Lord’s Supper. And to love one another. These are essential, not optional, in a close walk with God.
So, what is your present commitment? Monthly, fortnightly, weekly? What needs to change?
Community Engagement
What is your commitment to the community?
A community is a group of believers you join with regularly. Gathering as friends for prayer, Bible study, and mutual encouragement. We have prayer gatherings and connect groups formally. But this is also your commitment to friends, prayer partners, and teams you serve on. This community helps us to flourish in our walk with God.
As we go into 2024, what is your present commitment? What needs to change?
Personal Practices
What is your commitment to your personal practices?
Our personal practices are our daily habits of prayer, worship, Bible study, fasting, giving, and reflection. These patterns shape our daily lives and how closely we walk with God.
What rhythm do you have?
Prayer: What is your prayer rhythm? Morning, evening, both? Do you use lists? Follow an app like Lectio365 or a prayer book to help you pray, such as the Common Book of Prayer or Be Thou My Vision? Do you have specific prayers in the Bible that you use? Preparing our prayer times enables us to flourish in them.
Scripture: What is your Bible reading plan? Reading the Bible in a year is common. But that may be too much for some. More realistic may be reading the New Testament in 90 days to start. Or the whole Bible in two years. Which plan are you choosing for 2024? I have three to recommend with links.
M’Chyne Bible in one year. https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/24-mcheyne-one-year-reading-plan
Lifeway Bible in two years. https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/17108-whole-bible-in-under-2-years
Navigators New Testament 5x5x5. https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/232-discipleship-journals-5x5x5-reading-plan
Preparing our Bible reading helps us to hear God’s voice and walk closely with Him.
Fasting: When do you fast? Fasting is not a hunger strike. Fasting is using our bodies in prayer. It allows our bodies to go hungry to remind us that our proper sustenance comes from God. It creates a hunger physically linked to a hunger spiritually. And it is a longing for God’s kingdom to come.
What commitment do you have? Monthly, weekly?
Giving: What are you giving? Giving is an act of worship, trust, and investing in God’s kingdom. When Jesus discussed spiritual practices in Matthew 6, he joined giving, prayer, and fasting together. How is your giving practice?
Reflection: Reflection is taking time out to sit before God in silence, or with a journal, or with others, or on a walk. And without distraction, think about your walk with God and how you are doing. Listen to what God might say. And slow enough to see how life is. What are your reflection plans?
Specific Learning
What is your commitment to learning?
Christianity is rooted in learning. God has given us minds to think, grow, understand and learn. In Jesus’ earthly life, we see that he increased in wisdom and stature. What books are you planning to read? What podcasts can help you? What courses or bible studies can you take?
As you step back from that, that can help you. Where is itching at the moment? What is it that you want to know more about? What is perplexing or fascinating to you about God? What do you keep thinking about?
Having a learning plan with some books on a list can help you commit to learning.
Commitments Change The Future
Thinking through our commitments before the year starts can help us prepare and plan. By doing this, your future self will thank you at the end of 2024 for the decisions you make now.
I am praying for each of you as we enter 2024 together.
Walking Worthy 
Thought provoking! Thank you Jamie. š¤š