New Years and the Gift of Gab

Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor

I'm making a New Year's Resolution. And it has to do with a gift that I was born with (I hope that doesn't sound too arrogant!). You might have heard of this particular gift: it's known as the gift of gab.

This gift manifested itself early. As a child, I could talk my way out of anything. There was once an incident in middle school where I ate some pop tarts that were not mine and somehow talked my way out of what would have been swift and just punishment. My mouth would run at 100 mph as I filibustered and did my best to deflect. I know I must have driven my parents completely mad, and it's probably why, even now, they still look at me and wonder how in the world a beautiful girl married me and I have four kids (technically, the fourth is still being fearfully and wonderfully knitted together!).

I remember in college, going to different spiritual retreats, where I was contemplating my future, and being asked, "What kind of gifts do you have?" or "How will the Lord use your gifts in His Kingdom?" All I could think of was that I had the gift of gab and that was about it.

Now, as I've grown I've matured in my thinking and know that God has blessed me in so many ways. He's allowed me to have experiences that have shaped my life and He's equipped me every step of the journey so far. So, I've been thinking lately, "What kind of legacy do I want to leave for my kids? What do I want them to remember about me?"

I definitely don't want to be remembered as a man who had the gift of gab! That would be depressing. Instead, my New Year's Resolution is to be known as a man who followed Christ radically. What if my kids remembered me as a Dad who followed Jesus with all of his heart, no matter how difficult! That would be awesome! So, how do I get there? Practially speaking, I love David Platt's Radical one year challenge (you can read more about it in his book, Radical):

1. Pray for the entire world during one year.
2. Read through the entire Word in one year.
3. Sacrifice my money for a specific purpose.
4. Give my time in another context.
5. Commit my life to a multiplying community.

So, that's my New Year's Resolution: to be a radical follower of Jesus!

Bonus New Year's Blog Feature: Here's a great song from Charlie Hall on the New Year!