The New Year: Resolved

By: Jonathan Baird

"New Year's resolutions," "turning over a new leaf," "making a drastic change," these are common phrases that you will hear or maybe even utter over the next few weeks. As Christians we believe in "resolve" and "change for the better." We believe in these ideals because the gospel calls us to change from what we once were to who God has called us to be. We go from being babes who drink spiritual milk to adults who eat solid food (I Corinthians 3:2). The technical name of this phenomena of the Christian life is sanctification and just like justification it is an act of God in the heart of the believer (Galatians 3:3). For some people their change is quick, immediate, and drastic. We've all heard the story of the drug dealer who has a Damascus Road experience and wins his entire crew to Christ. We look at our own "boring" story and see the slowness with which our sanctification happens and we can be envious of others or even discouraged at our own progress. The problem with constantly looking at all of the "Damascus Road" experiences that we hear about is that this is the exception rather than the rule. For most of us sanctification is a slow process. Most of the time God, for his own good reasons, chooses to change us slowly, which requires patience, fortitude and resolve. It is an incredible privilege for us to be able to participate in this amazing transformation that happens to us. We intentionally strive toward holiness, plead with God for grace to achieve it, and are even used as instruments of change in the lives of those around us in our community. Here are a three things that we can do in the New Year to be strategic in our journey toward holiness:
1. Resolve- Jonathan Edwards wrote 70 resolutions for his life that he read every week. He knew the value of continually preaching the truth to yourself, and was intentional about his efforts to become what God wanted him to be. His resolutions have helped countless Christians to think clearly about how they should be focused on living a life that is worthy of the gospel and glorifying to God. Read his resolutions and consider making some of your own or borrow his. http://www.apuritansmind.com/the-christian-walk/jonathan-edwards-resolutions/
2. Commune- Our church has recently started small groups. Being in closer knit communities is an excellent opportunity to live out the gospel causing lasting change in our lives. It provides a mechanism of accountability, interdependence, and constant discipleship. Seriously consider getting involved in one, and if you don't, consider why it is that you refuse.
3. Live- Live in a constant awareness of the gospel. Use every opportunity you can to be thankful and remember what God has done for you. Meal times are a great time to remember that our help comes from outside of us. Isn't it amazing that God has given us 3 reminders a day of how we are dependent on something outside of ourselves for our sustenance? As we live, there will be occasions for celebration, as Christians we have the most to celebrate. We should be the people who party the most, and the best. Think of what difference we could make in our communities for the gospel if we were known as those who live our lives to the fullest. What if our joy in living overflowed and touched the lives of people around us?
As we contemplate our "New Year's Resolutions," let us keep in mind some of these opportunities for growth as we seek to live out the gospel in 2012.