The beginning of a new year is always an exciting time, as we think about the challenges
and goals set before us, and the opportunities the Lord provides to accomplish his work. As we
think about the fact that God is able to do “abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20),
it becomes important to lay aside our fears and short-comings, and imagine the possibilities that
lie ahead. I’d like to suggest three broad areas for your consideration as each of us charts a course
forward into the new year.
- A Strong Family: This is the time for you to think seriously about what you can do to
strengthen your home. Marriage is the centerpiece of the family, and is always to be held in high
honor among all, (Heb. 13:4). What can you do this year to strengthen your marriage? Perhaps
attending the great Smoky Mountain Marriage Retreat would be a wise plan. This is scheduled this
year for Feb. 14-18. We have a Marriage Enrichment Seminar scheduled for April 3-5. Our
enthusiastic participation in events like these can pay big dividends. Maybe you and your spouse
need to plan some individualized enrichment time in the new year. “Strong families, make strong
churches,” but family time should never be allowed to intrude upon the assemblies of the church.
Strengthen your family by cooperating with the church, not competing with it. Pray for and with
your family. Study God’s word together. Make family devotionals a regular part of the new year.
To your family, always speak well of the church. Refine your recreational activities to include only
those which include and strengthen your family. And zealously avoid anything which would harm
your home! - A Strong School: Education is essential to a healthy and successful life. Jesus increased
“in wisdom and in stature, in favor with God and man,” (Lk. 2:52). Parents, encourage your
children to consider attending a Christian university, where they will be in classes taught by faithful
members of the Lord’s church. A place where they will be surrounded by Christians and planned
Christian activities. A place where they can build a foundation on which to live and make a living.
As many of our K-12 public schools are turning farther away from God, imagine the possibility of
a Christian school here. What can you do to help bring it about? Would you be willing to work in
the school, maybe at a reduced salary? Think of the school as a partner, not a competitor, with the
church. Their goals are not inconsistent. A strong school can lead to many outsiders coming to the
church, and where there are strong Christian schools there are usually strong churches. I pray that
someday we will have in this area a strong K-12 Christian school where concerned parents can
confidently send their children for a Christian education. - A Strong Church: Strong families and strong schools support lead to strong churches.
The partnership of these three institutions is formidable and enduring. It results in real community
change for the better. Churches cannot be secretive, milquetoast, or blended invisibly into the
community. They must be brilliant beacons of light on the hill, setting an unwavering example of
righteousness before the world. The church is the “pillar and ground of the truth,” (1 Tim. 3:15).
Communities where the church is faithful and active are regularly exposed to the truth, and they
come to know and glorify God. People see and appreciate Christ through the church. The church
is evangelistic, not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, knowing that it is God’s power unto salvation,
(Rom. 1:16). The Lord’s church is not weak or ineffective. It does not provide necessarily what
the community wants, but what the community needs!
Imagine our community thoroughly influenced by strong, families, strong schools, and
strong churches. Imagine the amazing difference this would make in daily life! And imagine how
we can confidently move in that direction in the new year.
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think,
according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus
unto all generations for ever and ever. Amen,” (Eph. 3:20-21)
