Do you make New Year’s resolutions? I do. Actually, I make the same ones every year. Seriously. Every. Year. But this year I’m switching it up. This year my New Year’s resolution is to be a star! Yep. You read that right. I’m going to be a star! And I’d like to invite you to be a star as well.

Let me explain…

The Bible tells us in Matthew 2 that the wise men found Jesus because they followed a brightly shining star.

“The star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.”  Matthew 2:9

The Bible also tells us that we can shine brightly and lead others to Him.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

So, my New Year’s resolution is to let my light shine and lead others to Him.

Now that may not make me a star by the world’s standards. The world views a star as someone who acquires a lot of fame and fortune. Someone in the spotlight. But, as one of my favorite quotes says, “Those who shine from within don’t need a spotlight.” I’m not sure who said that. They must have been one of those spotlight-less stars.

In God’s eyes, a man or woman who leads others to Him is a star.

“Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.”  Daniel 12:3

So that’s the goal- to be a star! But if there is one thing I’ve learned in all my years of New Year’s resolutions it’s that success starts with a plan.  So, my plan for success is pretty simple:

Start with prayer.  I will ask the Lord to lead me to those who need Him and give me opportunities to reach others.  Like Jabez, I will ask the Lord to “increase my territory”. 

(1 Chronicles 4:10)

Treat everyone with kindness.  Even the difficult ones!  I may need to remind myself of Jesus’s words in Luke 6:32, “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.”

Act right.  That’s pretty clear, isn’t it?  If only it were that easy! I’m going to really make a greater effort this year to behave like a Christian in all situations.  Don’t you roll your eyes and laugh at me right now!  You know we can all do better! And we should.  More specifically, in situations of anger, grief, or frustration, I resolve to be a better example of my faith. 

Risk rejection.  This can be a tough one.  I resolve to boldly live out my faith even when it’s the unpopular way.

So that’s it. That’s my resolution for 2021. To be a star! Will you shine with me?

Teresa Breeding
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