Live it UP!

Earlier this month I shared this list of New Year’s resolutions with the students in my middle school ministry. We looked at the top resolutions for 2010, some funny ones, a resolution from the Bible, and my personal “resolution” for this year….

Top New Year’s Resolutions for 2010
-I will eat healthier and exercise more often… maybe I’ll even lose a couple of pounds
-I will reduce stress in my life and maybe take a vacation
-I will save more money and pay down my debt
-I will quit smoking and drink less alcohol
-I will get a better education
-I will find a better job
-I will be more considerate of others and maybe volunteer somewhere in the community

Funny New Year’s Resolutions
-I will not sit in the living room all day in my pajamas… I’ll move the computer into the bedroom!
-I will not bore my boss or teacher with the same excuses for being late… I’ll come up with new ones!
-I will do less laundry and use more deodorant
-I will conserve water and avoid taking a bath or shower whenever possible
-I will think of a password other than “password”
-I will not ring the stewardess button on the airplane just to ask for her number!

Joshua’s Resolution
“But as for me and my household… we will serve the LORD!” (Joshua 24)

My Resolution
In 2010, my resolution, my motto, my motivation, will be to “Live it UP!”

Living it UP!
What does this mean? Well there are two foundational elements to “Living it UP!”. The first is experiencing every moment to the fullest, not letting anything pass you by. In John chapter 10, Jesus claims that “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full”(NIV), or “I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.”(The Message). The second is making sure every action, word, and thought points upwards towards the One in Heaven. The Apostle Paul puts it this way “And whatever you do, whether in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him… Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving… So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (Colossians 3:17,23-24, 1 Corinthians 10:31).

“Living it UP!” requires us to live life to the full in a way that brings attention to the God of the Universe who sits enthroned in Heaven. Over the next 11 months, I intend to experience some pretty awesome things (if you have some good ideas let me know!) while at the same time intentionally pointing towards Christ. This year, in 2010, I’m going to “Live it UP!”… what about you?