Pitcher Steve Cishek.  Photo by Keith Allison

The New Year will soon be upon us.  We prepare to say goodbye to 2017 and welcome in 2018.  Many of us will use this as an opportunity to recommit ourselves to live better lives than we’ve been living. 

My very first blog post here on A Lamp unto My Cleats was about relief pitcher Steve Cishek.  Cishek will be experiencing a new beginning this year as well.  On December 16, 2017, he signed as a free agent with the Chicago Cubs; his 4th big league team.

Below are Cishek’s thoughts about New Years Day;

“So many people go out and make New Year resolutions.  New Year resolutions are a great thing, but how many people actually stick to it and follow those changes they want to make?  Let’s look at a list of New Year resolutions made by people this year:

1. Weight Loss/ Working Out
2. Stop Smoking
3. Learn Something New
4. Eat Healthier and Diet
5. Be Less Stressed
6. Drink Less
7. Make a Health Appointment
8. Devote More Time to Hobbies
9. Visit a New Destination
10. Help Someone Else (described: so it will make you feel better)

All of these resolutions are not necessarily bad things.  In fact many, if not all, are good ideas.  However what [is] the common theme of these resolutions?  Self.  Self improvement, making yourself feel better, satisfying yourself… you get the idea.  As Christians, we need deeper and less self-centered resolutions.  Resolutions that bring God all the Glory.  1 Corinthings 10:31 says, “so, whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Cishek has some suggestions as to what a Christian New Year’s Resolution should look like.

1. Resolve to serve Christians in the church
2. Resolve to believe God is good, wise, and sovereign when life is tough
3. Engage in Gospel conversations with people in my life
4. Putting to death fear of man
5. Resolve to softening our hearts while listening to the Word.
6. Pray and actively engage in these resolutions

May God bless each and every one of you with a safe, happy, and healthy 2018!  To read further on Cishek’s New Year’s Resolutions, check out his blog.