At the risk of not being all that uplifting – Its a new year, but its not a new you. That’s the problem. Here is how life really works: you are becoming whom you have been… and it takes a while to turn the ship… unless there is the miracle power of true repentance that brings forth fruit in the form of tangible action. But even then, we are a fitful and unfaithful people who stumble through our best intentions. This is why New Years resolutions are pretty much useless unless they are the fruit of true repentance and are grounded in love for God – not just love for a better self. Most Americans make resolutions in the categories of health, weight, wealth and relationships… and abandon them within a couple of months. These are good categories but, not the best categories.
In my mind, there are three foundational categories that make the rest of life work. They are primary means of sanctification:
1. Personal holiness: Hatred for sin and love for the “secret place,” and the Word of Christ dwelling richly. Are you still at peace with known sin and are you seeking the renewal of your mind through the washing of the water by the Word?
2. Local church life: Devotion to the people and the discipleship program of your local church. Are you fully trusting in God’s sovereignty and accepting and participating in the life of the church, loving the saints and the ordinary means of grace?
3. Family discipleship: The holiness and worship in your house. Have you allowed unholy things to creep in because of pressure from your own heart, your friends or children?
Happy renewing year… a year to renew you through the slow sanctification of God. And, remember this, “For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again” (Proverbs 24:16).
Taken from NCFIC
No comments:
Post a Comment