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New Year
Each year we look toward a new beginning. We make resolutions. We have great hope that this year we will make positive changes and have new opportunities. We resolve to do better.
The challenge is some of the things we would like to change are out of our control. The truth is the only person we can change is ourselves. Even then we face challenges. We should set goals and make plans. As we plan, we remember that all we have is a gift of God. James says when we make plans we should always understand, it is by the grace of God that we move forward.
“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that. (James 4:13-15)
There are many passages in Scripture about the will of God. Even though our lives are a mist God has created us for a purpose. He also values each of us so much that he sent His Son to die for our sins.
First and foremost God’s will is that we are saved. “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:38-40)
As those who have been called to faith in Christ it is God’s will that we live our lives honoring our God by serving others. “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:15-17)
Paul tells the Thessalonians what it means to be obedient to God’s will. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonian 5:16-18) This is great advice but as we look at our lives in a sin broken world this seems impossible. Because this task seems insurmountable, we should pray. “God what are you willing to do for us who can’ do what you command.”
When this is our prayer, we are compelled to look at the cross. In the cross we see what God is willing to do for us. It is the will of God that Jesus dies for our sis and the sins of the world. We are saved because God is gracious and merciful.
As we begin the New Year the first resolution we should make is that we ask God to guide our ways We pray that Spirit of God will fill our lives and guide our path. Then empowered by the Spirit we live joyful and thankful lives as God’s precious children. Our Lord gives us the best resolution to follow. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) Have a blessed New Year!
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