Make a Mark in 2023

Jan23

And just like that, we are in our third week of 2023. Like most, I formed a game plan for this year. And there may be a few of you who, like me, are already reflecting on the past three weeks thinking, “Have I actually focused on any of the goals I laid out for the year?”

Life is hectic. Days are busy. Time is fast. Staying focused is hard!! This year, instead of making a list of “things” I want to check off, I made a list of attributes I want to develop. My goal for this year is to be more like Christ in a list of specific ways. I do have a list of a few measurable goals to help me put this concept into practice. However, at the end of the this year, I simply want to have made the kind of mark on the hearts of my family, friends, Christian brethren, and community that Christ Himself would.

I happened to be studying the gospel of Mark as the start of the new year. As I read through the raw, hands-on events and teachings of Jesus’ ministry, I saw qualities I want to possess in every chapter. So, my plan for 2023 is to “Make a Mark” using a list of spiritual qualities found in Mark’s gospel. This is just a personal challenge for myself that I want to share with you. In fact, if you happen to see me, ask how it’s going. I could use the accountability! If you’d like to tackle this with me, please do!

Operation Make a Mark 2023

  1. Think souls. (Mk. 1:17-18)

  2. Be a faithful friend. (Mk. 2:3-5)

  3. Cease every chance to help someone – no excuses. (Mk. 3:1-6)

  4. Spread the Word without partiality, knowing that those who are ready will accept it. (Mk. 4)

  5. Wholeheartedly trust in Jesus’ power and authority. (Mk. 5:7, 36)

  6. Meet the needs of others through God’s providence. (Mk. 6)

  7. Take a daily heart examination so that I can serve with a clean and genuine heart. (Mk. 7:1-23)

  8. Daily acknowledge and glorify Christ on His terms and not my own. (Mk. 8:11-13, 27-38)

  9. a) Set aside time daily to dwell on the Savior’s majesty. (Mk. 9:1-32)

    b) Encourage His children daily. (Mk. 9:33-50)

  10. a) Love nothing more than my Savior and salvation. (10:17-31)

    b) Become a servant with every part of my being – body, heart, mind, soul. (Mk. 10: 43-45)

  11. Do real Kingdom work that bears fruit, not just leaves. (Mk. 11:12-25)

  12. a) Work diligently w/ God in my heart and His people in my hands. (12:1-11, 28-34)

    b) Give courageously. (Mk. 12:41-44)

  13. Live like I don’t know when He’s coming. (Mk. 13:32-36)

  14. a) Proudly claim Christ in all circumstances. (Mk. 14:66-72)

    b) Be quick to mourn when I fall short. (Mk. 14:72)

  15. Set aside time daily to think on and thank God for all Christ endured. (Mk. 15)

  16. a) Daily thank God for victory over death. (Mk. 16:6-7)

    b) Live by the fact that He always does what He says He will. (Mk. 16:10-14)

    c) Share His victory over sin with others. (Mk. 16:16,20)

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