阅读经文 

即将来临的新年，我们要展望未来，问问自己：“接下来一年，我们盼望些什么？我们的梦想和愿望是什么？我们将如何渡过这一年？我们能改变世界吗？我们会成功吗？”

有些人在期待毕业。有些人在盼望升职。还有的人在祈盼疾病痊愈。有很多人都在盼望着生活有一个新的开始。所有人都在盼望着来年顺利。

无论我们的新年愿望是什么，让我们花点时间扪心自问：“我们能为孤苦无助的人做点什么？”我们当怎样效法主去帮助那些被抛弃的，需要帮助的、需要鼓励和新起点的人？主说，凡是为这些人所作的，都是为祂而作，我们会认真对待祂的话吗？

我认识的一些人，会给长期住在破旧汽车旅馆的人带去一顿温暖的饭菜。有些人积极参与监狱事工。还有些人每天为那些孤独无助的人祷告，或者慷慨地分享他们的物资。

我夹在圣经里的书签上写道：“成功与你在生活中获得什么或为自己成就什么无关。重要的是你为别人做了什么！”这正是耶稣的教导。

The coming of a new year is a time to look ahead and ask ourselves, “What are we hoping for in the coming year? What are our dreams and aspirations? What will we do with our lives? Will we make a difference in this world? Will we be successful?”

Some are hoping to graduate this year. Others are looking for a promotion. Still others are hoping for healing. Many are hoping to make a new start in life. And all of us are hoping for a good year ahead.

Whatever our hopes or resolutions may be for the new year, let’s take a few moments to ask ourselves, “What will we do for people who are down and out?” How do we plan to imitate our Lord in reaching out to people who are outcasts, who need help, encouragement, and a new start? Will we take the words of our Savior seriously as he tells us that anything we do for people such as these, we are doing for him?

Some people I know bring a warm meal to long-term residents in a rundown motel. Others are active in prison ministry. Others pray daily for people who are alone and in need, and still others generously share their resources.

A bookmark in my Bible says, “Success has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It’s what you do for others!” And that is what Jesus teaches.