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“Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
–C.T. Studd, British Missionary
Only what’s done for Christ will last.”
It’s resolution time again. 2024 is right around the corner, peering back at us from a meager distance of a few calendar days. Every New Year, millions of people make resolutions and set goals for how they want the coming year to be different, to be better, than the last. Most resolutions focus on physical health, finances, or career aspirations. Those are all good and noble pursuits.
But what about your spiritual health? What could you do in 2024 to grow as a Christian?
The answer is simple, but not necessarily easy: Grow in your knowledge and love of Christ.
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, the Christian’s resolution ought to echo the psalmist’s plea:
“One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple” (Psalm 27:4).
There can be no greater resolution than getting to know Christ better in 2024.
The priorities of the Christian life are clearly found in the Apostle Paul’s declaration, “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8).
In a digital world clamoring for our attention, tune your heart back to this first calling — the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.
Nothing in life can compare to the value and significance of a deep and personal relationship with Jesus. In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to prioritize their pursuit of Christ above all else — including career success, material possessions, and even personal ambitions.
Part of “picking up our cross” and following Christ includes a willingness to sacrifice for the sake of putting Christ first. Survey your life and ask, “What is preventing me from pursuing Christ?” If someone ran an audit of your time, would it be clear that your top priority is your Christian faith? Heed the words of Paul and daily pray that you, too, would count everything else as “loss” for the sake of knowing Christ Jesus more.
In the pursuit of Christ, we unearth treasures beyond measure. Ephesians 3:8 declares, “To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.”
The depth of Christ’s riches surpasses our understanding. Resolve, therefore, to dig deeper into the inexhaustible wealth found in Christ alone. The more we discover, the more we recognize the boundless glory contained within Him.
Where can we get to know Christ better? In His Word. To know Christ intimately, we must delve into the Scriptures where His life, teachings, and redemptive work are set forth. The main way we can behold Christ is to immerse ourselves in the Bible, for “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).
The Bible is the mirror reflecting the image of Christ; so, let it be your constant companion in the quest to know more of Him in whom “all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross” (Colossians 1:19-20).
Prayer is the proper response to time spent searching for Christ in God’s Word. It is the lifeline that connects us to the true source of strength, the Holy Spirit, sent by Christ to be a helper for His people on earth. Aim to spend more time on your knees in prayer than on your phone in your social media apps. Let your prayer closets become a place where you earnestly pursue communion with your Savior. “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3).
Prayer is the means by which we draw near to God through Christ, who ever lives to intercede on our behalf. The throne room of the Most High is always open for His children because Christ purchased our enduring access with His blood on the cross.
Here are five books that will help you grow in your knowledge of Christ this year:
1. The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul: Sproul’s work is a profound exploration of God’s holiness, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of Christ’s unparalleled excellence.
2. Knowing Christ by Mark Jones: Jones provides a rich theological journey into the person and work of Christ, full of theologically sound and practical insights for those seeking a closer relationship with Him.
3. The Cross of Christ by John Stott: Stott’s exploration of the central theme of Christianity — the cross — provides a deep understanding of the atonement and its significance in the Christian life.
4. Desiring God by John Piper: Piper explores the Christian’s pursuit of joy in God, offering a perspective that resonates with the abundant life promised by Christ.
5. Knowing God by J.I. Packer: This book stands as a timeless masterpiece. With eloquence and theological depth, Packer explores the attributes of God, unraveling the complexities of His character and inviting readers to a transformative encounter with the Almighty. In this classic work, Packer skillfully navigates through the Scriptures, drawing out profound truths that challenge, inspire, and deepen the reader’s knowledge of God.
As we head into another year, and should the Lord tarry, aim to fix your eyes on the author and perfecter of our faith — Jesus Christ. Whatever else you pursue in 2024, make a resolution to grow in your faith by getting to know Christ better. Let that be the guiding principle that shapes our decisions, actions, and aspirations. For it is in the pursuit of Christ that we discover the abundant life promised by the One who declared, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).
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