Because New Year’s resolutions don’t really work but mottos do.
All of the drive we feel in the first couples of weeks of the New Year dissolves speedily as we allow ourselves the tiny indulgence of hitting the snooze button on our 5 am prayer time because we’d rather sleep in.
A motto is a short sentence or phrase chosen to summarize the beliefs or ideas that guide an individual, family, or institution.
As Christian women, God’s word is the best place to choose mottos from. Psalm 119:5 says, “Your Word is a Lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
So instead of setting unrealistic expectations, embrace some simple mottos that can be applied to all parts of our life.
- Focus on what’s really matters, what God is calling you to do and not what others think you should do.
If you get this one the others will come easy.
Luke 10:41:42 says, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.
Truly, there are only one or a few things that are needed consistently in our daily routine. If we know what those are and focus on them, making mottos that guide us to do so then the other things will begin to flow.
- Relationship over religion.
Remember your relationship with God is a daily walk based on quality not the quantity of religious activity.
For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6
- Be honest with yourself.
God desires us to be honest and sincere with Him and ourselves. This is the only way we can overcome the things that distract us and hold us back.
Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. Psalm 51:6
- Enjoy life.
God wants us to enjoy the life His given us. He wants our quality of life to be such that we can enjoy life and not just toil. Yes, there is work and responsibilities but if you don’t take time out to enjoy your life you’re going to miss one of the main reasons Jesus came.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10
- Don’t judge.
Remember when you judge others, the measure you use will be sued against you.
Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:1-2
There are many meanings of the word ‘judge’ in the New Testament, and we are called to judge ourselves and matters in the church but the word Jesus was referring to means condemn, punish: – avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.
- Choose you.
Not selfishly but in wisdom, make time to take care of yourself. If you’re not healthy body, soul, and spirit you cannot prosper in the way God ordained for you.
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 2
To prosper simply means to succeed in reaching your goals, and God’s best plan for you.
- Remember to forget.
Sometimes this is the only way that forgiveness, letting go of what was and moving forward in what God is calling you to do can happen.
One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14
- Try something new.
Don’t be afraid of what doing things differently or trying something completely new will do. Trust God to lead you and pick you up even if you fail. It is He that is calling you.
Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them. Isaiah 42:9
Beloved, I pray these Biblical mottos motivate you toward your calling.
If you’ve never written a personal mission statement or crafted your own personal motto and would like to do so be on the lookout for more information about my upcoming Live Mindset Mission Motto Statement L.A.B. for God’s Daughters happening in March.
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