It's funny how the New Year gives us a feeling of renewal. Whenever the December page is torn away, January appears and with it a whole new sense of redemption. The usual response is to make resolutions. We resolve to eat better, exercise more, be better parents, spouses, and friends. Regarding spiritual matters, we resolve to read our Bible more, pray more, get involved in our church more.
Resolutions are made with one thing in mind. Life Change. We know there are changes that need to be made in our lives. We crave life change, because we are not satisfied with the life we have. We look in the mirror and see that tummy we didn't have a few years back. We remember the times we chose to watch a rerun of our favorite sitcom for the 100th time instead of attending to the inquisitions of our kids. We lament over the responses of anger that instantly spring into action whenever someone cuts us off in traffic.
Resolutions are good. At the very least, they bring a self-consciousness to our weaknesses. They are an acknowledgment of our need for improved character. The problem with a New Year's resolution is that we only make them once a year, and they aren't strong enough to last a whole year. The fact is, we know we need life change in July, but choose to wait it out anyway. We are hesitant to change, because by nature we dislike it. Change is uncomfortable.
Last night, I jumped on a treadmill and confidently punched in 20 minutes of cardio-fitness. I was feeling uncomfortable by the 2nd minute. Why? Because I was imposing change on my body. I was challenging my jello-like arms and legs to a firmness that was foreign to them. We mistakenly think that a new calendar year is the catalyst for change. Why is this? I think because we want to change only on our terms. We want the perfect climate for change, which we assume takes place after the hectic holidays on January 2nd. But the perfect climate for change is not on our terms, but according to the scriptures, the perfect climate is on God's terms. When is the perfect climate? Year round. All Day. As needed.
Romans 12 should be required reading, memorization, and application for the believer. It reads, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Notice that the apostle Paul didn't give a timetable for this "renewing of your mind". That's because there is no timetable. We should renew our minds often. How often? As often as we need it. For most us, that's just about all the time. The reason we are not satisfied with our lives is because we are conformed to this world. Think about all of the things we resolve to improve upon each New Year, and you'll quickly discover that being conformed to this world is the reason for the resolution. For example, if we resolve to spend money wisely it's because we've been conformed to the materialistic ways of our world. If we've resolved to lose weight, it's because we've been conformed to the "fast paced, fast food" desires of our world.
We are all guilty of being conformed to the way of life that the world claims will bring us satisfaction. But it doesn't satisfy, it only makes us increasingly dissatisfied. So,let us be encouraged to change our way of thinking which the Bible calls repentance. This is not necessary just once a year, but as often as we find ourselves conformed. Paul provides the solution as the "renewing of your mind". This isn't complicated. Renewing the mind means we look to the Word of God and allow it to change our way of thinking. If we do not allow God to speak to us through the Word, then our ideas, images, and thoughts remain the same, and as a result, we remain the same. But when we renew our mind often, then our resolutions have a much better chance of sticking. Remember, God desires life change in us. It's why He sent His Son. It's the reason for the New Birth! He will strengthen us by grace, but He asks for our participation nonetheless! This is what it means to "take His easy yoke upon you". The burden of life change is on His shoulders, but we still must "yoke up" with Him.
While a New Year's resolution is better than no resolution, a daily renewal is even better, and an "as often as necessary" renewal is supreme! - Pastor Rob
UP AND COMING!!
(click image to enlarge)
Speaking of renewal! We are offering two exciting Bible studies for men and women beginning Wednesday night January 30th at 7pm!
For the ladies, "A Heart Like His" is a journey through the life of David whose struggle of faith is one we can relate to. Ironically, David became a man after God's heart through his failures. We can learn much from David's life as it relates to our own pursuit of God.
For the guys, "Gripped by the Greatness of God" introduces you to the holding power of a holy, awesome sovereign God and provides a deeper understanding of his character. Learn to live differently because of who he is!
Our prayer is that you will take a deeper step with Christ by participating in our Wednesday night Bible study! Be sure to sign up at the information desk this Sunday! By the way guys, the ladies sign-up sheet has way more names than ours! Let's "man up" and get our names down this weekend! :)
Goodbye for now! We pray you have a blessed New Year!
