I am going to make a bold statement. I think I have the only New Year's Resolution you need. You have got to be kidding, right??!!! You don't know me, Kimberly. You don't know that I need to lose 20lbs., exercise, be a better mother, be a better worker, a better wife, etc. How in the world can you boil it down to one New Year's Resolution?

We can find our one New Year's Resolution in the Bible. Listen to this verse,

"Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

1 Corinthians 10:31. What do you think? Can we sum up all the many roles in our lives and state without reservation that we are doing them to the glory of God? I have to admit I do not do everything to the glory of God, but that certainly is a goal to try and attain. When you look at your New Year's Resolutions how do they look differently in light of this verse? Do I eat to the glory of God? Do I parent my children to point them to God and reflect his glory? Do my co-workers know there is something different about me, because I reflect God's glory?

One thing I have learned recently is to have an eternal perspective. When we think about eternity, sometimes the big things we have been so stressed over no longer seem so major. Will it matter in eternity whether my house was spotless and my bed was made every day? Sounds kind of trivial, doesn't it? What will matter is if my children spend eternity with me in heaven. What will also matter is if I'm showing them how to worship God in everything they do. When you start to get frazzled and anxious ask yourself, "Will this matter in eternity?" I don't mean to say we don't do a good job at work and home, but we need to keep an eternal perspective.

My challenge for you and for me this year is to "do all to the glory of God." Can you imagine how our homes and workplaces would be radically changed if we truly lived to glorify God? I certainly think they would be more peaceful. I don't know if you agree with my "only" New Year's Resolution, but I pray God will be glorified through you this year.

? 2004 Kimberly Chastain

About the Author

Kimberly M. Chastain, MS, LMFT is the Christian Working Mom Coach and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in helping Christian women make the most of their lives. She is the author of the on-line course, "I Can't Say No" and Pearls of Encouragement for Christian Working Moms, a free e-book. If you suffer from "I Can't Say 'No" Syndrome, visit Kimberly's site today for the details on an exciting email course that's sure to set you free! http://www.christianworkingmom.com/online.htm. The Text Information Box above MUST be included for reprint privileges. You may reprint this article in it's entirety with the attached text box.