LISTED

This sign I spotted at a tourist attraction gift store made me pause and ask, “Who could be so perfect as to be all of that!” Then I realized that every character quality it named is worthy of embracing. Impossible goals? Not with this admonition tucked into the end of Peter's second letter to Christians trying to live in a messed-up world. (And how contemporary his words!) He closes with this: "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen" (2 Peter 3:18 NIV).

I have an author-friend, Lucinda Secrest McDowell, who annually chooses just one word as her spiritual focus for the year, usually a character quality she wants to consciously cultivate. She has written devotional books that do just that: expand on dozens of words with spiritual-growth implications.* 

As a new, uncharted year opens before us, why not choose a “goal word”? This plaque has great suggestions for personal reflection and aspiration, but there are many more out there. Whatever you choose, consider posting it somewhere (like the bathroom mirror or above the kitchen sink) where you'll see it regularly. (One year I taped mine, “Inspire,” over the camera “dot” of my laptop computer.) An added idea: write out below the word a Bible verse explaining it. 

Here are some I thought of in connection with the plaque's “qualities” list: 

TRUE—Paul urged us to think on things that are true (Phil. 4:8), not half- or shaded-”truth.” We're to draw near to Jesus with true hearts (Hebrews 10:22). 

SMART—More Paul-advice: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity” (Ephesians 5:15-16). 

HUMBLE—God watches for those who are God-focused, “contrite and lowly in spirit” (Isaiah 57:15). Peter, again: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (1 Peter 5:6). 

CLEAN—This isn't just about washing machines, showers, or housekeeping—although taking care of our possessions is part of showing appreciation to God for His provision. It's also about heart-care. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). 

 INVOLVED—My favorite role model, an ancient seamstress (also known as Dorcas): “Tabitha...was always doing good and helping the poor” (Acts 9:56). 

GRATEFUL—Making gratitude a lifestyle: “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Pursue the habit of arrow-gratitude—quick prayers that begin, “Thank you, Lord, for....” 

POSITIVE—From the heart of Paul, who experienced terrible opposition and barely escaped alive from scary situations: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). 

STILL—Pursue times away from the constant busyness of our media and electronic lifestyle: “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

PRAYERFUL—Live above the mundane, with hope and expectation: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving [see “grateful,” above], present your requests to God” (more advice from Paul, Philippians 4:6).

The sign in the shop probably didn't weigh more than a couple pounds, but oh, how heavy the words inscribed on it! Each is worthy of “dwelling” on for a year. Or maybe you have your own word. If so, could you share in the comments section of this blog? 

*For exceptional insights regarding "single words,"  *I commend McDowell's Dwelling Place and Ordinary Graces, both published by Abingdon Press (2016, 2017)