Making resolutions is always a big thing at the beginning of a new year. We make small or grand plans to help improve ourselves and our lives. Â In the months of January and February, the gyms are a little more crowded. Diet trends have an uptick. We try to quit old habits. Â We watch what we spend and how we spend it. Maybe we resolve to be kinder, more patient, maybe even try to make amends with someone who we’ve held a grudge against. We think these changes will bring us greater happiness or peace in the year to come.
There is nothing wrong with setting these goals and resolutions. But how much time, dedication, and resources are we willing to devote to achieving them? Do we devote just as much in growing in our faith? Do we resolve to know Christ more? To walk closer with Jesus through reading scripture, praying, worshipping, fellowshipping with believers? It’s hard to make these things our priority when our focus and devotion are elsewhere.
So how do we bring Christ our Savior into focus as we usher in this new year? Remember the holiday we just celebrated? Christmas. Emanuel. Christ with us. He came to earth for us. Lived, died, and rose again for us. His love compels us. “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). May the Holy Spirit help open our eyes and hearts to desire less of what the world has to offer and more and more of what Christ has already given us. Forgiveness. Grace. Freedom.
As we embark on this new year, may we strive to live with that truth in mind.
