At the beginning of a new year, we all tend to make a rather long list of resolutions. We have a whole rash of shortcomings that need our attention. Too often though, we get overwhelmed and begin to ignore that long list.

“My One Word” is a ministry that would like to move us all beyond that kind of endless cycle. Their challenge is rather simple. They would like us to lose that list and instead begin to focus on just one area of life. Then they recommend that we choose just one word that centers our attention on one part of our character that needs work.

On their website (MYONEWORD.ORG), they make some suggestions about how to choose the one word. They have a step-by-step approach that can help anyone pick a meaningful word that will focus potential spiritual growth for an entire year!

I am intrigued by that approach. I believe that we can limit our words and clarify our concentration.

Scripture reinforces that approach. Ecclesiastes 5:2-3 encourages us to “let our words be few.” And Proverbs 10:19 reminds us “he who refrains his lips is wise.” Verbally, it seems that less is better.

So this week, I encourage you to join me on this journey towards spiritual maturity. Let’s check out the ministry of “My One Word.” See how the process works. Consider subscribing to their blog.

And then, let’s do some introspection and identify the kind of person we really want to become. Let’s be intentional and list the characteristics of that particular kind of person. Soon we will able to review a short list of words that encapsulate those qualities. As we crystallize our focus, hopefully our spiritual growth will ensue.

To encourage us in the process, others have already posted words like: Grace, Patience, Joy, Trust, Surrender, Discipline, Simplify, Balance and Brave and begun their sustained focus on that spiritual concept or quality.

I am mulling over words like: Amazed. Chosen. Awesome.

What would your ONE WORD be?