Focus on Being Instead of Doing

 

“...we shall be like Him…” –1 John 3:2

Early January is as good a time as any to make a new year’s resolution. Many resolutions revolve around making some kind of change in what we do. Exercising, quitting smoking, picking up a hobby, and spending less money are a few common goals people set for the coming year.

While those goals may be healthy and valuable, how about trying a different approach?  Make a resolution that focuses more on your interior and less on your exterior. Strive to be more rather than to do more. 

We know that we were created in God’s image. If we want to ‘be more like God’ – and God is Love – then we want to be more loving. 

What does this look like?

“Love is patient and kind. It’s not jealous, it doesn't brag, it’s not arrogant, it’s not rude, it doesn’t seek its own interests, it’s not quick-tempered, it doesn’t brood over injury, it doesn’t rejoice over wrongdoing…”  (See 1 Corinthians 13:4-6)

Choose one virtue to cultivate this year. Choose the one that struck a chord with you when you read this verse from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. This will give you a starting point.

Do you want to be more kind, considerate, generous, and helpful? Do you want to be less arrogant and less self-centered? Do you want to be a better listener and break the rude habit of interrupting when someone is speaking? Making a deliberate decision to grow in a particular virtue will help you be more mindful of your actions.

Also, be sure to encourage yourself. Look in the mirror and smile! See a patient person, a kind person, an even-tempered person. It’s amazing how much we believe what we tell ourselves, and we act according to what we believe. So, remind yourself often that you’re becoming a more loving person, and let Christ fill you with His joy and His peace over this. Your desire to become more like Him is something to celebrate!

Be mindful of your goal and over time the virtue you wanted to cultivate will become a greater part of who you are. Then, at the end of the year, you will be able to look back and see that, yes, you have grown. You are more like Him: you’re more loving, more joyful, and more peaceful. 

What a wonderful way to be through the year.

“Lord, shine Your light on how I may be more like You.”

Thank you for reading my reflection. © 2023 Gina Bedell     Comments are always welcome!

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