It is quite sobering to think that yet another year has passed into the annuls of history. How quickly life passes (cf. Job 7:7; Psalm 102:3; James 4:14; et al.)! As we look back on 2010, I am sure that we each can recall some good times and some difficult times this past year had to offer. In one sense, looking back can be disastrous (Genesis 19:26; Luke 9:62), but in another sense, it can teach us valuable lessons for the present as well as the future (cf. Romans 15:4). Looking back for just a moment can help us as we look forward to a new year.
Firstly, as I look back, I am reminded that ahead I must be cautious. Although at times it may seem like we, as sheep, are in a safe and secure haven with no threat of harm, such is not the case! We have a serious adversary (cf. 1 Peter 5:8), who is scheming (cf. Ephesians 6:11) of ways (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:11) to destroy you and me (cf. John 8:44). We must be cautious because Satan is walking around looking for his next victim (cf. Job 1:7; 1 Peter 5:8). We must be cautious because Satan is waiting around for weakened souls (Luke 22:31; James 1:14), and we must be cautious because Satan is wielding his fiery darts attempting to wound and obliterate those who go against him (cf. Ephesians 6:16; 2 Timothy 3:12). Brethren, let’s look back, but only long enough to be reminded that we must approach this New Year with caution!
Secondly, as I look back, I am reminded that ahead I must be committed. How committed were you to the Lord’s work in 2010? Some would surely have to answer, “Not very committed.” Others may say that they were faithfully committed. If you fall into the category of “not very committed” then you must repent. To a congregation that has lost its commitment, Jesus pleaded, “…repent, and do the first works…” (Revelation 2:5a). If you fall into the category of “faithfully committed,” then you must remember. In closing his first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul reminded these brethren, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Even diligent, faithful soldiers of the cross sometimes become weary! It is especially during those spiritually exhausting times that we remember there is a crown at the end of this thing (cf. James 1:12; Revelation 2:10)! Brethren, let’s look back, but only long enough to be reminded that we must approach this New Year with commitment!
Thirdly, as I look back, I am reminded that ahead I must continue. Sadly, this past year has seen some among our ranks of fellowship stop their march toward that eternal reward. At one time, Jesus was more than willing to give them eternal life (cf. John 10:28), but now in their present state, God’s wrath is awaiting them (cf. John 3:36)! Sorrowfully, those who quit are among the ranks of Judas the fake (John 12:6; Acts 1:25); Demas the forsaker (2 Timothy 4:10) and others who have fallen (Hebrews 3:17; Jude 5). These are all examples and reminders for each of us that we must continue! It is not enough to start the race, but we must finish (1 Corinthians 9:24; Revelation 2:10)! Brethren, let’s look back, but only long enough to be reminded that we must approach this New Year with continuance!
Living in the past is certainly defeating (Philippians 3:13), but by briefly looking back, we can better prepare for the year ahead. As we prepare, let us be cautious of the enemy we fight, let us be committed to Christ and His church, and let us continue in that strait and narrow path that will ultimately lead to heaven above (Matthew 7:14)! Prepare for heaven in 2011!
