We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less. That’s what I’m working so hard at day after day, year after year, doing my best with the energy God so generously gives me.

(Col. 1:28-29)

The basics. That’s what I am about.

But, more importantly––that's what I really hope you'll be about this year! Why? Because, the basics will launch your life in ways you can't imagine!

So, what are the basics? Everything Jesus! No more. No less. The basics are... His love. His grace. His mercy. His goodness. His healing. His generosity. His kindness. His wisdom. His righteousness. His yoke. His rest. His victory. His commission. His authority. His Word. His Name. His blessings. His finished work on the cross.

I want to help you master the basics this year like never before (and then again every year for the rest of your life!) so you can truly live a life you love—year after year! No kidding.

As we begin the year, here are "3 Reasons You Should Master the Basics This Year."

1. Big Buildings Require Big Foundations: Do you have a big vision for your life? High hopes for the New Year? A deep and wide foundation in Jesus and His Word is the secret to a big life! Your life "above ground" can only go as far and high as your foundation "under ground" can withhold.  It's not always sexy, but mastering the basics will strengthen the foundation upon which you build everything you dream of!

2. Successful Athletes Excel in the Fundamentals. Would you like to be at the top of your game? Do you want to succeed in all that the Lord has called you to do and be? World class athletes work on the basic fundamentals—continually. Ever noticed how many golf balls the pros hit on the driving range? Counted how many free throws champions practice? The legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers, Vince Lombardi knew this principle well and he was famous for starting football practice with the most basic statement of all, "Gentlemen, this is a football." The more you go over the basics—living out the truths you've known for a hundred years—the more you will excel as a world class Christian.

3. Lasting Fruit Is The Result of Strong Roots: Do you want to fulfill Jesus' desire for you to live a fruitful life? Interested in putting a dent in eternity by producing fruit that outlives you? Strong roots produce healthy shoots which create loads of fruit. (Sounds like a Dr. Seuss book, I know.) But, it's true. The truth is: No roots = no fruit! Strong roots in God's Word will anchor you to Jesus and the nutrients you need to develop eternal fruit that honors the Lord. In God's kingdom, there are no shortcuts to producing lasting fruit—good fruit is the result of healthy roots. And...healthy roots are the result of mastering the basics.

I know there is a temptation to move beyond the basics. I’ve tried it—to be deep, complex, convoluted, sophisticated and complicated—but at the end of the day, it takes me away from the simplicity that is in Christ. (As it turns out the simple basics are actually deep, profound and weighty.) The truth is, my life works better when I stay focused on the basics. I can understand, digest and implement things when they are at a basic, elemental, primal, introductory, fundamental, minimal, primordial and at the elementary level. I have a feeling many of you are like me in that regard. Keep it simple, we say!

When we know Jesus and understand the Bible at a basic level—the who, what, where, when, why and how—our life is propelled forward and we see supernatural results.

And that's not all.

Being focused on the basics will cause you to be a more centered and developed Christian. A more fulfilled husband, wife, mom or dad. A more fruitful employee, employer, leader or volunteer. A more mature believer. Remember, “to be mature is to be basic.” It goes both ways—the more basics, the more mature—the more mature, the more basics.

Are you ready to master the basics this year? Let's go!

Say It: “Father, I ask You to help me get the basics of knowing Jesus and Your Word in a new, fresh and life-changing way! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”