Resolutions verses personal covenantal mission

January is a new month and the start of the civil new year. At this time most of us reflect on the past and make resolutions to guide our choices during the coming months.

I wish to encourage persons, especially Christians, to create personal covenantal mission guidelines for the civil year as an outcome of the renewal of their baptismal vows. For those who are from liturgical traditions that observes the Feast of the Baptism of Christ which occurs after the Epiphany (January 6), this is an opportune moment to realign one’s personal goals with the mission of Christ, rather than making new year resolutions.

The feast of the Baptism of Christ is celebrated on the first Sunday after the Epiphany and is that time for renewal and recommitment. Instead of focusing solely on the usual new year’s resolutions, think about creating personal covenantal mission guidelines that reflect the deeper significance of your baptismal vows.

WHY CREATE PERSONAL COVENANTAL MISSION GUIDELINES?

Rooted in faith: Unlike typical resolutions, personal covenantal mission guidelines are grounded in your faith and spiritual journey. They remind you of the promises made at your baptism, to live a life reflecting God’s love and grace.

Transformative journey: The act of renewing your baptismal vows is a commitment to transformation. It’s not just about personal goals, but about becoming the person God calls you to be in service to others and to the world.

Community connection: Reflecting on your baptismal vows connects you with the broader community of believers. It encourages you to consider how you can share your gifts and serve those around you, fostering a spirit of unity and love.

Here are some steps to create your personal covenantal mission guidelines

1. Reflect on your vows: Take time to remember the promises made during your baptism. What do they mean to you today? How can they guide your actions in the coming year?

2. Identify key themes: Consider themes such as love, service, community, and spiritual growth. These can serve as the foundation for your guidelines.

3. Set intentional goals: Rather than vague aspirations, define specific, faith-driven actions you can take. Focus on how to embody your faith through daily acts of kindness, participation in community service, and deeper prayer life.

4. Engage with scripture: Use relevant biblical passages, like those from Isaiah, Psalms, Acts, and Luke, to inspire and shape your mission. How do these scriptures resonate with your journey?

5. Create accountability: Share your guidelines with a friend, family member, or faith community. Having support can help you stay committed and encouraged as you live out this mission.

6. Review and adapt: As the year unfolds, revisit your guidelines. Are they still meaningful? Are you on track? Adjust them as needed, allowing for growth and change.

FAITH-FILLED INTENTION

By creating personal covenantal mission guidelines rooted in the renewal of your baptismal vows, you embrace a year of faith-filled intention rather than fleeting resolutions. This approach invites you into a deeper relationship with God, yourself, and your community, creating powerful opportunities for spiritual growth and impactful living.

As a Christian of the Anglican tradition, I began in 2015 to use the assigned liturgical scripture readings for the feast of our Lord’s baptism to fashioned a personal covenantal mission rather than making resolutions. The selected readings for 2025 are as follows: Isaiah 43:1-7; Psalm 29; Acts 8:14-17 and Luke 3:15-17, 21-22.

From these readings, I wish to share my personal covenantal mission guidelines for the civil year 2025 reflecting on their themes and messages.

a. Affirmation of Identity and Purpose (Isaiah 43:1-7)

- Guideline: Embrace and declare your identity as valued and beloved by God.

- Action step: In times of uncertainty, remember you are created for a purpose; publicly affirm your faith and share your story of belonging and redemption with others.

b. Reverence for God's Power (Psalm 29)

- Guideline: Recognize the majesty and strength of God and respond with gratitude and worship.

- Action step: Set aside regular time for worship, whether alone or in community, to honour God’s creation and listen for God’s voice in your life.

c. Community and Mission (Acts 8:14-17)

- Guideline: Acknowledge the importance of community in your spiritual journey and the need for mutual support.

- Action step: Engage actively in your faith community. Volunteer for services that uplift and support others, fostering unity and encouragement among members.

d. Preparation and Response to the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:15-17, 21-22)

- Guideline: Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your daily life and decision-making.

- Action step: Dedicate time for prayer and reflection, particularly during challenging or transitional times, to be open to the Spirit’s leading. Participate in activities that allow you to grow in faith and service.

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

- Daily reflection: Incorporate moments of contemplation where you evaluate how well you align with these guidelines.

- Accountability partner: Find a friend or mentor who shares similar values to discuss your journey and keep you accountable.

- Service to others: Identify one new community service opportunity each quarter to put your faith into action.

This mission can serve as a framework to guide your spiritual growth and interactions throughout the year, reinforcing your commitment to living out your faith actively and purposefully.

I invite you to create your own or use the above so that you may “boldly confess Him as Lord and Saviour” (Collect, First Sunday after the Epiphany, Book of Common Prayer).

Dudley McLean II is from Mandeville and a graduate of Codrington College, UWI, Cave Hill, Barbados. Send feedback to dm15094@gmail.com