Pastor's Corner: 'Carry on'

If you've ever watched a TV show or movie involving the military, you've probably heard the phrase "carry on" used a few times. The phrase apparently came from the British Navy several hundred of years ago, where it was given as a direction to keep going on the same course and not change.

Over the years, it's been adapted in many settings to say essentially the same thing to a group of people.

When I think of the beginning of a New Year, I sometimes wonder what the Lord might say to us? Although the phrase "carry on" isn't found in the Bible (at least that I can find), I believe the principle or concept is. Let me suggest that if the Lord used that phrase to speak to us, he'd say something like, "I want you to carry on in these areas":

–Love me, love others and make disciples (Mark 12:30-31; Matthew 28:18-20).

–Be a student of my Word (II Timothy 2:15, 3:16).

–Be a prayer warrior (Colossians 4:12).

–Be a participant in my body, the church (I Corinthians 12:27; Hebrews 10:24-25).

–Be a shining light to those living in darkness (Matthew 5:14-16).

As we begin a new year, I want to encourage all of us to "carry on" in the areas that we know are God's will. May we look back at 2023 and be glad we followed the call to "carry on" for the Lord!

Happy New Year!