In 1 Corinthians 13:11, Paul said: "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things."
Paul's desires on things changed as he matured. True, he was speaking largely of spiritual growth and maturity, but the physical certainly applied as well.
We will very shortly be bidding adieu to the year 2014 and welcoming into our midst the year 2015. I am certain that many will hate to see this year come to an end, while others cannot see it conclude fast enough. And, just like Paul's desires on things in general changed as he grew and matured, I have found that our desires concerning the new year also change as we age and mature.
When we were children, we all wanted to be allowed to stay up till the stroke of midnight so we could see the fireworks go off and the new year come in. My children are still in that stage. But now that we are older, truthfully, we really just want to tape the entire thing, go to bed at 9 p.m., and watch it all tomorrow.
These conflicting desires between parents and children provide for some argumentative moments. My consoling thought, though, is that one day we may be living with them, and the tables will be turned. I can only imagine my son's consternation as his children and his parents both whine to be allowed to stay up.
In all seriousness, though, as we mature, our desires toward the new year really should begin to change some. As 2014 comes to an end, here are some helpful suggestions for you regarding the ending of one year and the beginning of another.
* First and foremost, make sure you have received Jesus Christ as your savior. Nothing is more important than that.
* If you have done wrong or somehow hurt someone during this year, make it right before the year ends. Failure to do so is like moving to a nice new home and carrying the mold and filth and rotting wood of an old home along with you.
* Get dedicated in church. Jesus said that he is the one that built the church, and that he shed his blood for it. If it is that important to him, make sure it is equally important to you.
* Plan a few getaways with your spouse for next year, then put them on the calendar in ink, not pencil. You don't have to spend much, but failing to do things like that is an open door for the devil to meddle in your marriage.
* Decide now to leave a very toxic element behind and not carry it into the new year. I am referring to the propensity to be offended. People are spending way too much time getting offended these days. And, sadly, most of the time they are choosing to be offended by people who have no idea they are being offensive and were not in any way attempting to do so. That is a pretty bleak way to live, so leave that behind.
* Lastly, go ahead and decide now that, if you are ever anywhere near Mooresboro, N.C. you will drop in at Cornerstone Baptist Church and say hello. Bring this column with you, and admission is free.
(Smile, that's a joke, admission is always free).
Happy New Year!
Bo Wagner is pastor of the Cornerstone Baptist Church of Mooresboro, N.C., and the author of several books which are available at wordofhismouth.com. Contact him at 2knowhim@cbc-web.org.