How will I love Jesus in 2013?

First and Second Timothy might be two of the most emotive books of the Bible. Paul, moved with love, compassion and care writes two last times to his son in the faith, to encourage him after he has gone. The question on Paul's mind would have been, 'how will Timothy love Jesus when i'm gone?' The question on our lips this morning should be something like, 'how will i love Jesus in 2013?' With the distractions of the world, with the constant buffeting of sin, the discouragements  and strife, how will we love Jesus in 2013?

Paul sums it up for Timothy, and for us in just one word in 2 Timothy 3:14, 'continue.' 2013 will be about continuing for Christians. There will be new fads, new controversies, new 'follow this programme to grow your church into the 1000s', but the only Biblical answer? Continue.

Christians must continue in Bible reading. No matter how you read the Bible this year, make sure you're reading. The Bible will help us continue in our faith. It reminds us of the constancy and ancient relevance of our faith. Once again we'll start with 'in the beginning' and end with 'amen.' Adam will sin, Abraham will lie, David will go for an ill advised walk, Israel will fall, and Jesus will rise again. We'll sing Psalms and lament sins. If God has spoken in the Bible, may our prayer be that we would hear Him clearer in 2013 than ever before.

We must continue to pray as well. I was challenged towards the end of the year by a tweet from John Piper. The idea was that if you're not praying for influence over people, you must not think that what you believe, or can input is very important. We are nothing more than who we are in secret with Jesus. Pray to glorify God with your life, pray for forgiveness and sanctification, pray for those around you, pray for the lost, across the street and across the globe. Talk to Jesus each day like He is a real person. Continue in prayer.

And continue in church attendance. I am more and more convinced that your view of Jesus is reflected in your view of the Church. If church isn't a priority, then Jesus probably isn't. If signing, giving, and listening to good preaching bores you, guess what? Jesus probably bores you as well. If you struggle to pay Jesus attention at the one time where you know a lot of other people are, what makes you think you're ever paying attention to Jesus. If you think you're 'too cool' for church, then you need to repent, if you don't understand why church attendance is important, the you need to read the Bible, and ask the Lord to fill your heart with love for His Bride.

2013 will bring us many opportunities to indulge in that which Christians should be most wary of, novelty. Don't spend 2013 chasing what's new, continue in the Bible, continue in prayer and continue in church. And by so doing, you'll continue with Jesus.