For years it seemed I had the same dreary goals for the New Year…get more fit, make more money, pay off debt, and a plethora of other usual physical goals. But did these goals satisfy my soul and make me a better person? Nope. I was never satisfied by those goals. That’s because I needed the kind of New Year’s resolutions that would satisfy the REAL me that is, my soul. I needed spiritual goals.
My friend, we NEVER become any BETTER or more SATISFIED by doing more of the same; or feeding our soul with the things that will never satisfy us.
So what do you plan to change for 2025?
As I was contemplating the year ahead, and asking God to show me what I should do differently, He brought me back to the Bible basics. He reminded me that I am not the same person I was before I was born again; and therefore, I should not think, speak, or act as I did before my soul and spirit were made alive in Christ. Three passages came to mind:
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2
All three of these passages give us crystal clear wisdom for developing the attitudes of Christ and becoming—not just better—but, the very best!
When we accept the gift of salvation and make Jesus the Lord of our life, we are a “new creation!” We are “in Him,” and have HIS nature. Think about how empowering this is! We don’t have to be caught in the same rut that the world is trapped in—a veritable freak show of selfishness and constant dissatisfaction. The truth makes us free! We desire spiritual goals because the gift of salvation has made us spiritually ALIVE! Our soul does not desire to return to the slavery of selfishness we lived in for so many years.
In Christ, we can have a dynamic life—full of power, wisdom, and love—and FREE of the bonds of selfishness and self-centered living!
But just like physical goals—such as dieting and exercise—we must have a plan and stick to it. Unlike our small, earthly goals, our spiritual goals reap eternal rewards. They are soul-satisfying. You may look good in your athletic wear, but your looks never give you the soul satisfaction that a life lived for God’s glory does. Why not? Because if you are born again, you are a NEW person. The old goals are passé. You NOW know that behind the shiny promises of the world is more emptiness. You have experienced the best satisfaction and can never settle for less. So don’t!
Begin today—make your goals and let it begin with developing the attitudes of Christ and the mind of Christ through—committed prayer time, dedicated personal Bible study, and committing to a church family. Then God will give you an entire stable of eternal opportunities. He will bring you that person to disciple or to help you start up a neighborhood Bible study. You may host a backyard Bible club for kiddos. You will have the opportunity to visit the elderly and perhaps sing or read with them. You can help children who have no mentor. My friend, a marvelous opportunity for your life to bring glory to God is all around you. Don’t miss out! When you love the Lord more than you love anything—including yourself—He provides opportunities that are greater than you can ask for or imagine.
Make God’s glory the number one goal for life and in 2025, you will have a life well-lived!
2 Responses
Happy new year. Well said.
Amen sister!