Christian Living

HOW DO YOU SEE THE NEW YEAR

by Charles (Chuck) Robey
12/27/15
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"After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?" Galatians 3:3

Have you listed your New Year’s resolutions yet?  You know the old routine Christian list, your own personal self-improvement program: to be more lovable, have more patience, be more forgiving, try to pray more, read the Bible more, be kinder to that unbelieving irritating neighbor, and the list goes on and on.

What will happen, when you give up those Christian resolutions down the road, and you give way to those old fleshly habits?  (Psalm 51:10-11) Now don't say it will not happen. For as soon as you say so, it happens. You see, the accuser, Satan himself, stands ready to see that it will happen. (Zechariah 3:1-2)

The Apostle Paul, writing under the direction of Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21), gives some very good insight for when this happens. (Romans 12:1-2) Now, more than ever before, we need not be conformed to the evils of this present world, but we must strive to be transformed to the things of God. (Colossians  3:14-15) How may this renewal come about? By simply asking God to search out our hearts (Psalm 139:23-24), and lead us according to His divine Word. (2 Timothy 3:16)

You see, scripture doesn't specifically mention making resolutions at the beginning of a new year. Nonetheless, it does urge us to examine our lives regularly, and to seek God's help to become better persons every day. (Lamentations 3:40)

These so-called "resolutions" may just be wishful thinking on our part. Human nature dictates that we consider a positive attitude.

Admittedly we all want this in life, but oftentimes that's about as far as it goes, just wishful thinking.

Why do we fail? The scripture gives the answer, the problem is personally within ourselves, our human side. We intend to do what is right, but we don't have the moral and spiritual strength, on our own, to do so. (Romans 7:15)

We all need a starting point in making a commitment to change our lives. The new year is a good place to start. (Isaiah 43:18-19) So just pause and take a personal inventory. What needs improvement? What needs to be eliminated? What needs to be added?   What does God see when He looks at me, and how does He want me to change?  And most importantly, what is God's will for my life in the coming year?

 Author's Postscript

According to research, 80 percent of those who make resolutions on January 1 have given up by Valentine’s Day.

Our basic failure is why we need to believe in the full Gospel. (1 Cor 15:1-4) It is why we need God's guidance. (Philippians 2:13)

You see, change is impossible on our own, but all things are possible through God. (Matthew 19:26)

We just need to follow God and obey His commandments. We will know when we are not doing according to His will for our lives. Then we must turn back to Him. It's not about saying no to things or trying to be better ourselves. It's all about loving God over all else, and by following Him entirely, then come the changes.

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http://ccrobey.wix.com/themessage