**Reset the Center: A New Year, A New Focus**
As we step into the new year, many of us are bombarded with messages urging us to reinvent ourselves, to make resolutions, and to strive for a "new you." But as we learned from the recent sermon at Morningstar, perhaps what we truly need is not a resolution, but a reset—a reset of our center.
**Understanding the Reset**
The sermon, based on Matthew 6:19-34, challenges us to reconsider what we treasure and how it shapes us. Jesus teaches that "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This profound truth invites us to examine our priorities and the things we hold dear. Are we storing up treasures on earth, or are we investing in heavenly treasures that align with God's kingdom?
**The Power of Alignment**
The concept of alignment was a central theme in the sermon. Just as a car out of alignment can wear unevenly and eventually break down, our lives can suffer when our spiritual alignment is off. Misalignment doesn't always manifest as overt sin; sometimes, it appears as public success masking private turmoil. We can be active in our faith yet adrift in our focus.
**Choosing the Right Center**
Jesus warns against serving two masters, highlighting the impossibility of serving both God and Mammon (material wealth). This duality often leads to anxiety and worry, as we become consumed by the pursuit of earthly gains. Instead, Jesus calls us to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness," promising that all other needs will be met.
**A Call to Action**
The sermon encourages us to hit the reset button in our lives. This doesn't mean starting over from scratch but rather realigning our priorities with God's will. It's about making Jesus the center of our lives, allowing His presence to guide our decisions and actions.
**Living with a 'Somewhere' Theology**
The sermon concluded with a powerful reminder of the faith of our ancestors, who, despite their circumstances, believed in a God who was "somewhere" working things out. This "somewhere" theology is a call to trust in God's providence, even when we can't see the path ahead.
**Conclusion**
As we journey through this new year, let's embrace the opportunity to reset our center. Let's focus on aligning our lives with God's kingdom, trusting that He will provide for our needs. In doing so, we can experience the peace and fulfillment that comes from living a life centered on Christ.
May this year be one of spiritual realignment and renewed focus on what truly matters. Let's keep the main thing the main thing, and watch as God works wonders in our lives.