New Year… new self

Happy New Year!

Do you live in the past? Do you dwell on former mistakes or missteps? It’s easy to do. Though, God’s word tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV), “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

In life, we may struggle at times in the flesh. Whether by word or deed, our choices are not always fruitful. Don’t let Satan get the victory for we belong to God now, and it is by his strength that we can overcome our own fleshly weaknesses. The first step begins with turning over our struggles to the only wise God and Savior, our heavenly father, and allow the Holy Spirit to work within us.

This time of year brings many to make New Year’s resolutions which not long afterward come to nothing but empty words. People want to make a change or turn over a new leaf; however, what they really need is to turn over a new heart.

Making a change is not always easy and can come gradually. In he words of the Apostle Paul, we need to remember that it’s a destination. “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 3:14 KJV), and “I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6 KVJ).

Only the Holy Spirit can affect a real change. Leaning on the spirit to guide and deliver us from sin and evil is a something we can depend on. Change can chafe because we resist moving out of our comfort zone. Let’s continue to press on—not for ourselves—but to honor the Lord in word and in deed, renewing our minds to seeking His will in all things that he may be glorified.