I have many goals for 2012. Personal goals. Character goals. Fitness goals. Family goals. Ministry goals. Organizational goals. Friendship goals.

Though I have numerous goals for the new year, I really only have ONE resolution. And if I do this one thing, my life’s goals will have greater meaning, transcending value, and longevity of influence than I could ever imagine. My firm resolve for 2012 can be summed up in this life “resolution” made by a man many years ago who found his life’s greatest purpose not in what he could gain, but in what he intended to lose:

“He must increase, but I must decrease,” said John the Baptist. (John 3:30 ESV)

I know. We all want to increase in our lives. We want to add character, quality of life, sense of purpose, relational depth, organizational growth, spiritual progress, and the list goes on and on. But we don’t think as much about what needs to decrease in our lives.

Yet this is what God blesses – the life that yields itself to His life becoming more glorious in these earthly vessels we have been given a temporary lease on. I promise you that if you make this your one firm resolution, to make much of Jesus and less of you, then every other goal in your life will come into alignment with His purpose, His presence, and His power.

Perhaps 2012 is the year that everything in your life aligns itself up with His divine order, uncommon favor, and supernatural blessing, because you made this ONE thing your resolute will: that Jesus would increase and _____________ (your name) would decrease.

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 ESV)