Could ONE WORD help you grow as a person and become more like Christ in 2015?
A few weeks ago I mentioned on my program that about 50% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions each year, but only about 8% are able to keep them. So instead of making a list of resolutions, why not choose ONE WORD to focus on in 2015—a word that represents the type of person you want to become or a character quality you would like to develop.
Pastor Mike Ashcraft and his co-author Rachel Olsen have a book and a website that will help you do just that. The book is called and the website is myoneword.org.
Mike and Rachel say the first step is to simply take some time and decide what kind of person you want to be at the end of this year. This goes beyond simply being healthier and wealthier, it’s really about the condition of your soul. What kind of person does GOD want you to be?
The next step is to identify the characteristics of that person. Is that person gentle? Are they generous? What are the qualities of the person you want to become?
Finally, once you have a list of the characteristics, pick a word. Mike and Rachel say there might be fifteen things that you want to change, but resist the temptation to promise you will do them all. Instead, simply commit to ONE WORD.
They say this will provide you with a lens to see the changes you need to make, as well as a way to determine whether or not change is actually happening.
Then focus on your word each day, and ask God for His help in helping you change from the inside out.
By the way, in case you’re wondering, my one word is “patient.” With three young kids at home, it’s a character trait their dad is really trying to cultivate.
