Micheal Hurlbert
We are now nearly one week into the new year. For many, this is a time of celebration and self-reflection; for others, it is one more day in the cycle of sameness that continues from the previous years.
Like so many things in life, one's view is a matter of perspective. From a physical perspective, the new year is simply one more trip the Earth makes around the sun. However, from a perspective that transcends the physical, the new year brings an opportunity to accomplish something that will last through eternity.
The book of Ecclesiastes may help people see the difference between the two perspectives. Ecclesiastes is primarily written from a perspective that focuses on the physical. The author uses a key phrase to describe this perspective: "under the sun." The phrase illustrates an outlook on life from the ground level or a humanistic worldview.
Using this outlook to consider life, the author encourages readers to base their lives on what transcends the sun. Indeed, without a perspective transcending the sun, life would be a vain cycle of sameness that continues without a greater purpose.
To highlight this cycle, the author asks, "What do people gain from all the toil at which they toil under the sun? A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the Earth remains forever." Ecclesiastes 1:3-4
These words may seem pessimistic, but they invite the reader to question what things in life have a lasting value and what treasures transcend the physical. We would be wise to consider this same question. What will you do this year that will have lasting value beyond it?
A Christian perspective of life is based on God, who transcends the sun and created humanity in his image and likeness. This view helps people to see that they have a unique value and that the changes they make this year can have a lasting effect beyond the physical.
Jesus refers to this as "storing up treasure in heaven." He says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:19-20
His words encourage people to base their lives on something beyond the physical. Focusing on God will enable a person to consider new ways to make a lasting impact. It will help people find new opportunities to accomplish the task God created them to fulfill – reflecting his divine image in the world.
Therefore, it is crucial to reflect on the new year from a larger perspective. One should think deeply about spiritual health and practices that bring them closer to God. Though making resolutions that fill physical needs is helpful, they will not have lasting value.
I encourage you to consider resolutions that transcend the physical and profit in eternity. Resolve to base your life on Jesus, who provides access to God, who transcends the sun.
Micheal Hurlbert is associate pastor at First Christian Church in Carson City.