5 Ways to Fail in 2013

[image error]At Cottonwood Church we're challenging our folks to put God first in 2013. We want to give Him the first day of our week, the first time of each day, and the first 10% of each dollar.

Since that is our goal, I thought I'd give 5 ways to fail at it.

 

1. Shoot for the Moon

Plan to read the Bible through by Easter. In the 1611 King James Version. In Latin. Pray for 2 hours before breakfast. Up your giving to 60%. Flog yourself if you miss a Sunday. This way, if you fail for a day, at least you will drop back to some reading, some prayer, some giving, right? Wrong. You will simply give up. Better to start small - with the daily readings in the bulletin, with 5 minutes of prayer daily, with 10% giving and build on it. Flogging... keep the flogging.

 

2. Do it Alone

Everyone currently believes you are perfect. You wouldn't want them to know if you fail. News flash: You aren't, they know it, and the more secret you keep your plans the less likely they are to succeed.  Instead tell others, join a life group - up the commitment and you will be more committed.

 

3. Use Guilt Motivation

You earned your salvation! God is going to have to love you, you will be so awesome at giving Him your first this year. "Just try not to love me God!" Maybe not. God's love, like salvation, is a gift.  If you miss a day's devotions or a week's giving, don't give up. Just start new. You missed a blessing, but His love never changed.

 

4. Assume God Lied

Worship isn't important. Prayer doesn't change anything. Giving makes you poor.

 

5. Make it Random

Don't have a special time for your devotions, or place, or plan. Make no family budget. Let the weekend evolve. So many great things have been created from random.

As you don't take my advice, may you become transformed in 2013 into the image of King Jesus, and may He get the glory.

 

Dan