Welcome to 2021. With all the chaos in 2020, many have asked, “What’s most important in life?” How do you answer that? It’s so easy to get worked up about the way we measure things in life. What new unexpected experiences or changes will come our way this new year?
Some resolve, “From now on I will…” How many “from-now-on” will come and go? Some believe that a good intention means a new beginning, that on their own they can make a new start whenever they want. That would be nice if it was that easy.
One thing that we can all count on in 2021 is more change
Some changes we choose and others we don’t. The theme of change is constant in the scriptures. What does the nature of that change look like? God has changed the direction of millions of lives and the apostle Paul lays out the kind of change God desires for His people.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14
Yet, more often than not, despite our high hopes and our best efforts, we fail to change in the ways God desires. We can’t just grit our teeth and force ourselves to be better. Trying harder on our own won’t lead to change, it leads to frustration.
Yes, Jesus, I’m all in, but maybe not entirely
Jesus isn’t at all interested in our being changed into people who simply become nicer and more agreeable, all the while maintaining our own little kingdoms. God does not ask us to accommodate Him but to live for Him. He has something far greater in mind for us this new year. That is to choose to…
Live for what matters most to God
Any of us who have attempted change know if this year is going to be any different than before we need a new approach, a change of perspective. Living out what God desires of us is not as simple as changing a tire. It is not a quick fix. It’s a heart change.
The question is not if we will change, but how we will change? Change is inevitable. What kind of changes do you want to make this year? You do have choices.
For a Christ-follower we are called to a new way of life, to a different kind of kingdom
As difficult as this can be, we need to leave our own little kingdoms behind. Maybe a part of our own little kingdoms is having a perspective of ‘don’t you see, this is the way things ought to be!’
Or maybe it’s how we measure our own success, or maybe it’s trying to control people or circumstances. Or maybe it’s living for the approval of others.
These things don’t just distract us from a greater kind of kingdom, they can consume us. They can control us. They can suck the life right out of us. They can be so utterly empty and meaningless. There is a better way.
There are things we cannot change, but there are changes we can make that can leave a lasting impact on other people’s lives if we choose to live for what matters to God. God has been changing the hearts and minds of people for thousands of years and He desires to change yours’ and mine too.
If you desire lasting peace and contentment throughout this new year may your heart’s cry be…
Father, not my will, but thy will be done…your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. What do you want me to do for You?
The God that changes not, changes everything! Be grateful that His love for you will never change! That’s one thing we can count on this year and forever!
