A few years ago, I wrote the book Foundations.  I looked at the apostles’ speeches in Acts.  I demonstrated how their first concerns were to answer foundational questions rather than to impress their listeners with sophisticated complexity.  I am more convinced than ever that our theological energy is best spent chasing four basic questions: what is God like?  What does it mean to be human?  What is our problem?  What is God’s solution to our problem?

With 2024 now consigned to the history books, we are launching into 2025.  Inevitably, a new year tends to bring at least a small burst of new energy.  Externally, we may joke about others joining gyms and going through the standard routine of resolution and then inevitable failure.  However, we may still feel motivated internally to start the year well.  So, what is your approach to the new year?

I think we often look for sophisticated solutions to complicated problems.  Are we trying to be too clever?  In reality, the basics are usually the most fruitful focus.

For instance, we assume that taking a new and obscure supplement or getting a new piece of exercise equipment will help us achieve our health goals.  But we will probably accomplish a lot more by focusing on eating whole foods, moving more, and sleeping better.

Or, we can think that our ministry challenges will be unlocked by a key lesson we have never encountered before, so we hunt for the book or the seminar that will bring that critical insight.  But 2025 will be far more fruitful if we focus on hearing from God, praying, and investing in people.  These things are the basic stuff of ministry.

And what about on a personal level?  I think we would all benefit from a “back to basics” mindset as we launch into another new year.

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