A resolution worth keeping
By Jon Walker
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:2, NIV)
If the apostle Paul ever made a New Year’s resolution, I suspect it was similar to the one made here, where he resolved to know nothing but Christ and him crucified.
Paul’s message was radically simple: Salvation is in Christ alone. That means it’s not Christ plus your good behavior, not Christ plus the years you taught a Bible study, not Christ plus your tithe, not Christ plus the church you attend.
It’s not Christ plus the number of verses you memorize, not Christ plus your title in the church, not Christ plus wisdom from the latest Christian seminar, not Christ plus a desert fast – or even a dessert fast!
It’s not Christ plus a good driving record, not Christ plus well-behaved children, not Christ plus your newly shined shoes, not Christ plus the right job, not Christ plus the right spouse, not Christ plus a college education, not Christ plus the latest technology.
It’s simply Christ. Christ plus nothing. That’s our message in this still-new millennium, and it’s a message that is as right throughout 2008 as it will be in 2999. May your New Year’s resolution be nothing but Christ and him crucified.
What does this mean?
- Jesus plus nothing equals salvation.
- Check your beliefs – Is there something you think you need to do or achieve to be fully accepted by God? Are you adding to that Scripture, changing it to say, “I resolve to know nothing except Jesus and …?”
- Pray through this verse – “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2, NIV) Ask God to teach you this year to know nothing but Christ and him crucified.
Jon Walker is the teaching pastor for “The Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals,” and resident writer at www.GraceCreates.com. This devotional is copyrighted 2007 by Jon Walker. Used by permission.
