New Year's Eve is traditionally a time to compare the past
with what we want for our future. We reflect on the changes we prefer or need
to make. Then we resolve to rid our self of our bad habits and to replace them
with good habits, which will help us to reach our desired success in life. How
often, though, do we stick to our resolutions?
I find greater success by following God's formula for
change all through the year. We are like a creeping caterpillar, spiritually
dead. If we continue to walk in the ungodly deeds of the flesh, we do not
belong to God or have His Spirit in us (Romans 8:9). We are
not able to compare with the majestic butterfly flitting on glorious wings,
dancing upon the sunbeams, dining on nectar, playful and full of life.
As we surrender to God, we wrap in the chrysalis of His new
birth. Through the process of sanctification, we emerge resplendent in Christ's
divine nature and character, which He forms in us over a lifetime in His
presence (2 Peter 1:4). God's Spirit enables us to
refrain from conforming to the world, and to conform to Christ instead (Romans
12:2).
The blood of Christ draws us near to God, and His Spirit
renovates our soul (Ephesians 2:13). Our inner transformation
influences our outward response to the world and to God’s will for our life. We
bear fruit in all that we do, as we grow in our understanding of God and His
ways (Colossians 1:10). We continually reflect more of the glory of God
through our thoughts, words and actions (2 Corinthians 3:18).
The message of the Gospel of Christ gives us the power of
God, which transforms us from the inside out (1 Corinthians 1:18). God’s
Spirit renews our mind and creates in us the desire for holiness in the image
of God (Ephesians 4:22-24). His divine power gives us
everything we need to live godly lives and to follow the leading of His Spirit (2 Peter
1:3-11).
Prayer:
Lord, help us to resolve to follow Your will for our life,
giving You prominence in our thoughts and obeying You in all we say and do by
the power of Your Holy Spirit (Romans 8:13-14). Help us to shed the trappings of
the old man and to soar in the freedom of Your Spirit (Ephesians
4:22-24). Remind us to live by faith in Your faithfulness and to
walk in Your righteousness (Romans 1:16-17).
Thought for the Day:
When Christ appears, we shall be completely like Him, for
we shall see Him as He is. - 1 John 3:2-3
