There’s been something on my mind recently that I really want you to know, but you’re not going to like it. Here it goes: 2020 is not your year.

I know, you’re feeling tempted to close this tab because you don’t want to hear anything else that I have to say. Before you do, maybe I should clarify something. I’m not saying that your dreams, goals and aspirations for 2020 are unimportant or insignificant. I’m not saying that your hopes to grow, change, or start something new won’t happen. I hope that it does! What I am saying is that as much as catchy slogans and well-wishers tell you that this is your year, in reality, this year isn’t ultimately about you.

I think I just felt someone cringe. Here’s the problem: to think about something or someone other than ourselves is counter-cultural. I’m not just talking to you here, because I’ve realized the same tendency in myself. I get caught up in questions like: What do I want? How do I feel? What’s best for me?

Taking care of the bodies that we’ve been given isn’t a bad thing. Being aware of our own emotional, physical and mental needs is not only important, but responsible. Please don’t neglect these things. However, what I want to remind us of is that we were made to live for something so much greater than our own comfort, security, or personal agenda.

Should we set goals for 2020? Sure!

Should we desire personal growth and improvement? Absolutely!

Here’s the caveat. We need to re-frame our idea of what or who we’re doing this for. If I want to lose weight to get attention, then I’m focused on myself. If I want to build a Christian ministry, but underneath this noble pursuit is the desire to grow my Instagram following so that I’ll finally feel like I’m actually worth something or that I matter, I am still focused on myself. Oof! Major heart check needed there.

I want to suggest another way of looking at things. I want to offer you another way of setting intentional, purpose-filled goals in this new year. Here’s my proposal: What if instead of focusing on how we are going to own it this year and live our best lives, we changed our narrative and thought about what we can do to advance God’s kingdom work in the world?

What if instead of seeing 2020 as your year or my year, we saw it as another year we have been given to be actively used by God to fulfill His plan? Our life here is not about us, it’s about Him. This year and every year is His year. The question is, are you going to get with the program? I’m not calling for a change in your list of goals, but a change in your heart.

So yes, let’s get it this year. Let’s take action. Let’s take massive, intentional steps forward, but while we do that, let’s remember who this year really belongs to.