Looking Forward
2 John 1:8 says, “Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.”
John warns “the elect lady and her children” (v. 1), that they should be on guard and not be exposed to the attacks of many deceivers (v. 7). As we look forward to the New Year 2025, we also want to become better equipped, so that we don’t become preys to the cunning craftiness of many “false teachers” (2 Pet 2:1). We are to be good and faithful soldiers “of Jesus Christ” (2 Tim 2:3); by putting “on the whole armour of God” (Eph 6:11), so we can stand against the wiles of the devil! Some may have experienced hardships and difficulties during the past year – they have doubts, fears, and worries that make their hearts “stoop” (Prov 12:25).
Others are still struggling with hurts and pains that they can hardly express; and questions they cannot answer. But if we “trust in the Lord” (Prov 3:5), He promises to comfort our souls (Ps 94:19); and He will never leave us, nor forsake us (Heb 13:5). We must learn to forget “those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before” (Php 3:13). We can never truly press on and move forward if our minds are lingering in the past; whether they are past victories or past failures. As God’s children, “we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” (Rom 14:10).
Our goal is to “receive a full reward,” and not “suffer loss” (1 Cor 3:15). And since we only have one life to live (Heb 9:27), let us always give our very best in serving our Lord Jesus (Col 3:23). We need to maintain a strong connection with the “true Vine” (Jn 15:1). Let us remain true to our sound doctrine (Titus 1:9), by spending more time in prayers, studying God’s word, and edifying one another (Acts 2:42). We must never discard the “old paths” (Jer 6:16), through compromise and modernism. Let us launch out with great faith into this New Year! God bless you!
-Pastor Melito Barrera
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