2026 : More Jesus
We are about to cross the threshold of 2026, the air is naturally filled with the talk of "newness." : new goals, new habits, and the perennial New Year’s resolutions. We’ve all been there—perhaps you have a story of a resolution that stuck, or one that vanished by mid-January.
At the last shepherding class of the year, I want to pivot our focus away from self-improvement and toward Christ-improvement in our lives.
I want to thank Stan Freitas for the inspiration behind today’s theme. As we look at the year ahead, our collective heartbeat is simple: 2026: MORE JESUS.
The Heart of the Matter: Knowing Him
In Philippians 3:10, the Apostle Paul makes a staggering statement: “I want to know Christ.”
Coming from Paul, this is curious. Hadn’t he already met Jesus on the road to Damascus? Hadn’t he spent years building His church? Paul wasn’t looking for more intellectual facts; he was hungering for an experiential relationship.
To "know Him" is to move beyond the biography of Jesus and into the resurrection power of Jesus. It is a journey where we relate even to His sufferings, understanding that the path to the crown always goes through the cross. Growing in this relationship is the only goal worthy of our entire lives because it is the only one that carries eternal weight.
Shifted Focus: From Saul to Paul
Think about the "old" Paul (Saul). His life was defined by religious pedigree, legalistic perfection, and zeal for the Law. But once he encountered the living Christ, his focus underwent a radical transformation.
Growing in the knowledge of Jesus is the very picture of discipleship. It is the process of trade-ins: trading our self-righteousness for His grace, and our past achievements for the "surpassing worth" of knowing the Lord.
The Three Pillars of the "Press"
How do we actually live this out in 2026? Paul gives us three keys in the subsequent verses:
CONCENTRATION (Focus): Paul says, "This one thing I do." In an age of digital distraction and endless noise, what tempts you to lose focus on knowing Christ? We must be intentional about keeping the "Main Thing" the main thing.
OBLITERATION (Leaving the Past): We cannot run forward if we are looking backward. Whether it is past failures that haunt us or past successes that make us complacent, we must "forget what lies behind." How do you let go? By trusting that God’s grace is sufficient for your history.
EXERTION (The Strain): Paul uses athletic language: "I press on," and "straining toward what is ahead." Discipleship isn’t a lounge chair; it’s a race. It requires effort, sweat, and a holy grit.
Living as a Disciple in 2026
Becoming a disciple isn't an accident; it’s a decision to put yourself in the path of grace.
The Power of Habit: What is one habit that helps you experience Christ? Perhaps it’s a consistent "Word Ministry" in your own home, or a dedicated time of prayer.
The Unexpected: Often, we find God most clearly not in the mountain-top moments, but in the difficult and the unexpected. He meets us in the strain.
Reflection & Next Steps
As we prepare for 2026, I want to ask you:
What is your next step to become more like Christ?
It doesn't have to be a monumental shift; it just has to be a step forward. Commit to making this coming year less about our own "resolutions" and entirely about His "revolution" in our hearts.