“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit.”

John 15:1-2

I never keep New Year’s resolutions, so this year I’m making a short list of “Neverlutions”: Things I vow to NEVER do in 2024.

1. In 2024, I will NEVER practice Christianity Lite. 
   “Christianity Lite” has 1/3 less depth and action than regular Christianity. I have this temptation to wrap up a sermon, devotion, facebook post, or other spiritual conversation with some simple platitudes or insincere “Jesus talk”. Instead of relying on pat answers and surface level discipleship, I’m going to do my best to “keep it real”. Real thoughts about faith and real attempts at action. And not just from the pulpit.
   
   
2. In 2024, I will NEVER lose my faith because of the presidential election.
   This may end up being the nastiest election of my lifetime. Polarizing, negative, and even downright scary. I may get upset at some of the rhetoric or have painful discussions with friends and church members. I may feel the need to personally take a stand or make my voice heard, but I will NOT let it steal my soul. God will still be God come November 6th.
   
   
3. In 2024, I will NEVER complain about recycled trash bags.
   This one seems silly, but it’s not. My wife really cares about the environment. We have decomposable k-cups for our Kuerig and laundry detergent in environmentally friendly strips. Recently, she bought corn-based plastic bags for the kitchen. I hate them. They rip way too easily and are a pain to pull out of the can. But instead of complaining about it, I’m going to applaud Jan’s attempt to care for the planet. Perhaps I’ll find some ways to increase my own level of care too.
   
   
4. In 2024, I will NEVER put process over people. 
   I don’t know if I can keep this one. I’m always thinking about the “big picture” and how I can reach both short- and long-term goals. Sometimes it becomes an obsession, and I tune out the people around me. Never will I keep typing at my keyboard when somebody comes into my office. Never will I avoid human contact because I have “better things to do”.
   
   
5. In 2024, I will NEVER give up. 
   That’s my prayer. ”Lord, help me never give up. Even when the tough times come. Even when I lose my passion or purpose. Even when the world seems to be disintegrating around me. Even when joy seems far away, let me know your presence. Let your love protect and guide me. Let me keep my eyes on the prize of Your Kingdom come.”
   

Those are just a few of my Neverlutions. No promises to go to the gym or read 100 books. Instead, just a few extraneous branches I need God to help me remove or prune back. 

What are some of your Neverlutions? Perhaps together we can be resolute to…not do some stuff this year. Sounds kind of strange, but it’s important work…

nevertheless.

Have a great year,

Mitch