Here we are again with a New Year, new mind set, and new resolutions. Coming in a new year is great because it eliminates the old mindset and attitudes and bad experiences from the previous year. The New Year brings new resolutions. Will the resolution last or will it continue or will it fade away?
I want to challenge you this year to live by vision instead of living by a resolution. Resolutions are for a short term but a vision is for life. You are on earth for more than a mere resolution. You are really here for ministry. Your life on earth is to accomplish the mission that God has given you. The word ministry is usually reserved for someone with religious duties. Ministry is not just a word for the religious. Service, helping, aiding, teaching, and assisting are all examples of ministry. There are different professions that provide ministry every day. For example, teachers provide ministry by educating. Lawyers provide ministry by assisting those who are in legal need. Engineers provide ministry by creating, designing and manufacturing ideas and concepts for people that will enhance their quality of life. So ministry is more than a religious duty; it is a way of life.
The vision has to serve someone. The vision must assist with the common good of mankind, and, lastly, the vision should encompass your values. Look how Mother Teresa served humanity; her skills and talents served thousands whom nobody cared about. She was effective and she knew her purpose. Look at former President Jimmy Carter and his work with Habitat for Humanity. His skills and talents were more than he could ever imagine. He used his prestige and honor to serve the underprivileged. Vision is key for any endeavor that you undertake. Without a vision, you can become lost, misdirected and disoriented. Vision will direct, guide and oversee you as you go through life. The vision will let you know when you are wrong; it will let you know when you are on the correct path and, most importantly, the vision will examine and measure your motives and ambition. In getting to that path of success, the vision has to be acknowledged, known and directed. So instead of living by resolution; live by a vision.
Questions to ask…
• Do I have a vision for my life?
• Does the vision serve me or does it serve others?
• How does the vision complement my skills and talents?
• What is my vision?
Cedric Dukes is the author of Hostile Takeover – Manifesting God’s Plan and Purpose for Your Finances and newly released book, The Power of Time. Purchase of The Power of Time can be made at http://www.amazon.com or http://www.createspace.com