New Year's Resolution

New Year's Resolution?

Everybody seems to be having a new year's resolution, again, and for the nth time now. Year after year we wish to change things about and around us. We start off usually by looking at what we had or did not have, or how we lived the past year. Regardless of the past experiences, we always want to improve our lives, our careers and businesses and even our relationships. We want to make the present year better than the past. This desire to improve is a good sign that we, at least, did not lose confidence that we can still be better persons capable of living in a better world, and deserving better situations and relationships.

Making a new year's resolution, however, is easier than actually fulfilling it. Maybe we can do it during the first few days of the year. But what about next month or next year? Can we carry on with the changes we really want to make? If we honestly seek our hearts and minds, the answer is no. We may for a while but not for the rest of our lives. Sounds hopeless? Yes, if we don't seek help. But who can help when everybody else is hopeless or helpless?

There is one who can help, in fact, the only one. He is the Lord Jesus Christ. The world celebrates His birth towards the end of each year and until the new year with much fun and excitement. But more than the festive celebration, we should realize the true value of His birth. He came that we may have life, and have it to the fullest. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He Gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." If we believe and acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ in our lives then we can say with Paul that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)".

For us believers, new year is a chance to renew our commitment to Christ. Let's again consider what Paul said in Romans 12:1-2, "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".

For those who have not committed their lives to Christ, now is the time to do it. In Revelations 3:20 He says, "Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and have fellowship with him and he with Me." It is imperative that they believe and acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus Christ for it is written in 1John 5:11, "And this is the testimony that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life."

Regardless of our belief, the Word of God stands. May we all have a blessed life today and the days to come. Happy new year to all.