
Have you ever heard the phrase “New Year Resolutions are meant to be broken?” I have. Truth be told, I have actually heard it more than I would like to think about! I always wonder what the point of a new year’s resolution is, when statistically most people don’t last 30 days carrying it out. The crazy thing is that the resolution is never a “bad” thing to focus on, work on, or implement change towards. But when reality and the dust settles, we quickly see that our focus isn’t always where it needs to be to carry out what should be intended to in the end better us.
It makes me think of a time quite a few years ago when I was teaching a basic firearm safety class for an individual to apply for the Ohio Concealed Carry Permit. It was an 8-hour class, and was designed to instruct individuals to set them up for success with a very basic knowledge of firearm safety and the laws of Ohio pertaining to the use of firearms. At one point in time, someone asked me about the equipment that I use, and why I use it. I tried (as I usually did) to explain that my reasoning was tailored to me. They could “apply” the same logical reasoning to review or purchase a firearm for their needs, but ultimately, it was their decision, and something they need to choose. That seemed to confuse and further exacerbate the situation. They could not understand why I just wouldn’t tell them a specific brand of firearm to go purchase as “the best” after the class.
To offer more direction, in future classes I was far more specific. I would divide gun manufactures into several convenient categories and highlight some of the pros and cons, so they could make an educated decision. Ultimately, though, it still comes down to the individual finding the right firearm that feels “good” in their hands. Without question there are certain brands that I gravitate towards. And there is always good-natured criticism with firearm owners equivalent to the auto makers arguing over which is better- Ford or Chevrolet. When it came down to it, I stuck with what was comfortable for me. That was fine, until I realized that my comfortable level or what was “good” for me… was keeping me back from what was “best” for me. Someone recommended more recently that I try one of Smith and Wesson’s firearms. For years, I’m not proud to say that while I agreed they were decent in manufacturing, I was not convinced to use them full time. I was happier with Sig Sauer or Ruger, or even Springfield. Again, nothing wrong with those companies- but I was focusing on what was good for me in the situation- not what was “best” for me.

At this point in the conversation, you might be thinking “well, why does all of this matter?” Because as we gain knowledge, if we aren’t focused on being the best version of ourselves, and always training, the reality is that our skills, whether in church safety or any other component of life, can get sidetracked and underperform. I can successfully say that I went on to try Smith and Wesson in their firearm lineup, and ended up changing over to them, because of how much more it helped me with my skills. You see, if we don’t have the right equipment for the right job - training is pointless. If we don’t have the right attitude for training (and always be training) we won’t be focused on being the best we can be. It’s a crazy cycle.
Learning this concept isn’t something new. In fact, individuals have been struggling with it for centuries. In the Old Testament - 1 Samuel 15:20-22 we see that the Prophet Samuel gave King Saul very specific directions in battle. He didn’t leave any room for changes because the direction came directly from God. In the midst of the battle, King Saul chose to disobey God, and do his own thing - keep items for sacrifice. You might think offering sacrifices to God is a good thing… and you’d be right. It is a good thing. However, God was specifically measuring the focus of King Saul’s heart towards Him. God wanted obedience, not a sacrifice. Because King Saul chose to not be focused on God’s direction- he missed the “forest for the trees”, sort of speak. :) He was so focused on doing what he thought was good- it kept him from doing his best. It cost him the kingdom and his position in the land.
We may not have something at stake as large as losing a kingdom. But our attitude towards training, and being flexible to learn new things, and be the best version of ourselves serving in the church is an important aspiration. Always training and being focused that if I’m the best version of myself, I can be more like Christ and impact the community and kingdom for Him. That’s what being ministry focused is all about. Demonstrating attributes of being more Christlike, is what we all should be focused on- whether we are serving in safety ministries or not. 2 Timothy 1:7 says: “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” Demonstrating self-control is being focused to be better and flexible with our own understanding and coming to grips with the truth that how we are doing things may not always be the best way. It could be a good way- but if we are always learning and have that willing attitude we can find the best way. I’m also thankful that when we stumble and miss the mark in our resolutions, that God is still where He is and supportive of us! (Hebrews 8:12)
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