“You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by it deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV).
It is the time of year to think about new resolutions we can make for the Lord. I think also it is time for us to look back and see areas in our lives where we tried to follow deceitful desires. Let’s face it we all have slipped up. As we look to the New Year we can think of ways where we can have better attitudes. I imagine the New Year as a clean slate on what I can do to be a better person or become healthier so I can serve the Lord longer.
I am not that great keeping my resolutions though and I am determined to make that different this year. One of my areas I want to work on is becoming healthier. The bible is pretty clear about how our bodies are the temple of God. “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” (1 Corinthians 6:19 NIV) It is easy to forget that God is in us and we must keep our bodies in good condition for His sake. How are you doing in this area? Are you eating healthy and exercising? All of us need to be more conscientious about what we put in our mouths and what it can do to our bodies. God expects us to serve Him to the best of our abilities and this is difficult if we are not healthy.
Another goal of mine is to read the Bible every day and really study it.
How many of you really do that? We are to study the word so we can be able to tell others about God’s wonderful grace and love for them.
Showing others in scripture how God will help them is very powerful.
It is important that you know what the Bible says. It shows us how to live a life that pleases God.
These are a few of my resolutions. Take time to pray and ask God what He wants you to accomplish this year. Notice what thoughts come to your mind and jot them down. Make a list and keep it in your Bible so you can revisit it at least once a week. God needs you to be faithful in this. Think of your resolutions this year as a covenant with God and really try every day to follow them.
Dear Lord,
Each year we make resolutions but fail to keep them. Let us be faithful with our resolutions for you this year so that we can grow as Christians. Help our attitudes to be Christ-like and pleasing to you.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
