1Word for 2021

Colossians 3:15-17 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” 

Over the past 6 days, you have started the year the best way possible--in God’s Word! Nick started with a strong message on COURAGE and a reminder that Joshua was afraid, but God gave him a reason not to be. On day 2, Rod dove deep into the word FREEDOM and reminded us all that the most indispensable and essential type of freedom stems from being saved by Christ Jesus. Next, Maddie challenged us to live out our PURPOSE this year, and that “when it all comes down it ain’t if, it’s how they remember you.” Day 4 was filled with gratitude as Taylor wrote on the word THANKFUL and showed us how Daniel chose thankfulness daily--in the high times and the low times of his life. As we continued our journey, Sydni gave us a great reminder that we can “boost our BELIEF” by focusing on the faithfulness of God. Yesterday, we read about the word HOPE, and Grace reminded us that this world is not our home, so placing our hope in it will always leave us disappointed and empty. 

Today, we close our 7 Day journey with a challenge. Create some space for God’s voice in your life. The year change can be as significant or insignificant as we make it. I choose to intentionally make the calendar change a significant time of my life each year, and I am inviting you to join me! Specifically, I am inviting you to be a part of the 1Word challenge of choosing your word for the year. We have already dove into devotionals on six different words tos start the year, Those six words serve as great choices for your word for the year. However, there are many other great options. The challenge is simple, but where should you begin? Let’s dive in! 

Step 1: Choose it

This “choose it” step seems simple but has some important requirements: space, silence, and solitude (you can remember these as the 3 S’s). You can’t rush through choosing your word for the year. If you do so, you are not choosing to make the 1Word challenge something significant. So, if you accept this challenge, give yourself a few days before making a final decision on your word for the year. Take the time to spend time alone with God. Pray and ask Him to specifically impress a word upon your heart. 

Most importantly, the word you choose is that word that God has for you. We are human beings, not human doings, so it is crucial that your word is based on who you are becoming as a person.

Step 2: Rep it

The “rep it” piece of the process is all about owning your word. Committing to the 1Word challenge requires action. It is up to how you go about this, but you need accountability to keep going and stick to your word when times are tough. Laziness and forgetfulness can be forms of kryptonite in our 1Word journey, which is why the rep it stage is so important. 

What gets your attention gets your focus and energy, so it is critical that we place our word before our own eyes. We must put our word in strategic places where we will see it multiple times a day. We recommend wearing your word--whether it be on a hat, shirt, or bracelet--in addition to that we advise you to write down verses and quotes about your word. Plus, an easy practice is writing your word on sticky notes and putting them in places you will see everyday such as your car dashboard, the mirror in your bathroom, and your office door. Whatever it takes, make sure you put your word in front of yourself multiple times on a daily basis!

Step 3: Live it

The final step is to live out your word. This is a daily decision and there is no way around that. You and I will both fail at this step hundreds of times this year. The goal is not perfection, but improvement. Although we often think that growth is linear, it is not. There will be times throughout this year that we go through rough patches, and I am writing this to assure you that you are going to be okay. The only way to fail at the 1Word challenge is to give up. 

The key is to create accountability. If choosing your word is truly meaningful to you, and you take the time to rep your word well by putting it in strategic places, then you truly desire life change. Yet, desire still isn’t enough. We can say we want to do something really bad, but without actions those words mean nothing. Accountability is the bridge from intentions to actions. I am blessed to have several accountability partners that keep me on track throughout the year--one of them being Nick. 

Now it’s up to you! Create space, silence and solitude to hear from God and choose a word for 2021. Set yourself up to succeed by putting your word in strategic places where you will see it everyday. Finally, tell some trustworthy friends your word for the year and why you chose it. Ask them to be a source of accountability for you. 

I would love to hear your word for the year and be a source of encouragement for you as you journey to become more like Jesus and who He has called you to be this year! 

Choose it. Rep it. Live it.

- Josh Lane