Everyone I talked to in the Church about their New Year’s resolutions seemed to mention some form of Bible reading. As a pastor, I must say that this initially excites me. I want people to read their Bible and learn what God’s word has to say.

But the longer I have thought about it, there is also a disappointing side note. No one mentioned wanting to “worship more consistently” or “love their neighbor more fully.”  No one told me about a resolution to “overflow with the fruit of the Spirit” or “become more financially generous.”  I have not heard of one person who wanted to “live at peace, offer forgiveness, or become a vessel of grace.” 

Everyone wants to read their Bible more. That is a wonderful place to start, but you are missing the point if that is where your faith ends. The goal is life transformation. You are a new creation that is becoming like Christ in all you do.

Maybe this year, you need to worry less about injecting more Bible into your soul and instead act on what you already know.