Over the last several weeks and days, I have heard many people make different new year resolutions. "This year I'm going to drop 20lbs...This year I'm going to spend more time with God...This year I'm going to start my business...This year I'm going to budget my money and operate in obedience to God..." Those are just a few promises that people may have made as the clock struck midnight this morning.
What is a New Year's resolution anyways?!? This may seem like a silly question but new year resolutions are often made without people knowing what a new year's resolution actually is. A New Year's resolution is a commitment that a person makes to one or more personal goals, projects, or the reforming of a habit. A key element to a new year's resolution that sets it apart from other resolutions is that it is made in anticipation of the new year and new beginnings. People committing themselves to a new year's resolution generally plan to do so for the whole following year; however, new year resolutions have become a joke in the world today. Why do I say that? Well, most people make new year resolutions with good intentions in mind; however, because most people expect drastic results right away, the resolutions usually get dropped after January...if it lasts that long.
Right now you are probably wondering, what does this have to do with anything? Why are you writing this blog post and what are you proposing? Making a new year's resolution is cool but unlike those who have resolved to commit to a year (or as we just discussed, a month) of change, Christ is calling us, as Christians, to resolve to commit to a LIFESTYLE change. I decided to write this blog to urgue you not to just make a new year's resolution but to make a New Life Committment to Jesus.
My question to you: The year has changed but have you?!?
The year my has changed but, against popular belief, that does not automatically change you. Change takes time and, for me, a continuous reflection on Romans 12:2. I LOVE the New Living Translation which says, "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
Making a new year's resolution is cool; however, it is not enough to just say and or make a list of what you want to do to change. There also has to be a change that takes place in YOU as well and specifically in your mind. Going into the new year with a new year's resolution but the same mentality will do you no good at all. Its just like an architect attempting to build a newer version of an older broken down house with an old floor plan and old materials...it will only surface the same results. It is my prayer that 2013 will become the beginning of the best days of your life! Below I have outlined some key steps to making this New Life Committment to Christ a Success. Whether you are saved, unsaved, a babe in Christ, or spiritually mature, its always great to have a reminder.
So How Do I Make This New Life Committment a Success?
1. Start by changing your focus!
"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world..." What does this mean? Simply put, do not focus your attention and efforts on trying to "fit into" the world around you. Instead, choose to become a beacon of light for Christ that shines brightly everywhere you go. Take your eyes off of the "successes" and glamour of this world and place your focus and attention on God. So often we get caught up in what other people have not realising that God has an amazing plan for us. By changing your focus from the things of this world to Christ, it will become much easier for you to follow the next step below.
2. Let God Transform you!
The second instruction that we receive from Romans 12:2 is to do is "but let God transform you into a new person". Whenever I hear the word transform, I think of a caterpiller turning into a butterfly. This is how I imagine God transforming us. We come to Him as caterpillars, which are seen as voracious feeders and many of them are considered to be pests in agriculture because of the damage that they cause. Well when we come to Christ, we aren't much different. We come broken and searching for an avenue of change because are eyes are opened to the damage that we see around us. Once coming to God, He covers us in the blood of Jesus, washing us and cleansing us of our past. At that moment, we become a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17)...a butterfly! A butterfly that is now free in Christ to share in the inheritance that God has for us all!
3. Renew your mind!
"...let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think." As Christians, we have been called out of this world and just as Jesus did, we are expected to walk, talk, and behave differently from people who are not saved. Sometimes this will mean you cant hang around the people you used to hang around or do the things that you used to do before coming to Christ. We are urged not to conform to the ways of the world but to become transformed by renewing our minds. Is this hard sometimes...yes!
4. Discover and Walk in God's plan for you!
You are so important and valuable to the Kingdom of God. He doesn't HAVE to use you but He CHOSE to use you. What an awesome God! Inspite of all of our mess, God STILL chooses to use us for His glory! I know I am ever so grateful and honored by this and you should be too! No matter what your past holds, God has given you an amazing future as His child so choose to walk in authority and opertate in God's amazing plan for your life!5. Take it one step at a time!
As a young Christian, I can testify that sometimes walking in obedience is an extremely hard thing to do. Its just like when you're a child and your parent tells you to do something. At the time, you may not understand why they are telling to do whatever it is and you even may not want to do it but your parent is only looking out for your best interest. This is the same senario with God. God has placed a very special purpose in you and through the Bible, He has given you a road map to fulfill your purpose. Although the journey is not easy at times, the reward for being obedient to God is far more pleasing and will outlast the temporary rewards this world can give. So don't think that you have to dot every I and cross every T right away. Just know that God sees your heart and where you are weak, God is strong so place your trust in Him.
It is my prayer that this blog post has touched you in some kind of way to not just make a new year's resolution but to make a new life committiment to Christ. Until next time, cheers to a New Year and a New You! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
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| My mini photo shoot on New Year's Day after Watch Night Service. New Year...New Me 2013 :-) |
I love you all,
Christina Emily
awesome blog keep it comin'
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