For many of us, there is just something about the New Year that gives us the feeling of a fresh start and a new beginning. At the start of each New Year, I make a New Year’s resolution, yet time after time, I seem to lose motivation along the way. The simple fact is—New Year’s resolutions are easy to make, but often prove very difficult to keep.
Most often, we hear of New Year’s resolutions such as joining a gym, quitting smoking, or perhaps spending more time with our families. These are all good goals to set, but how often do we take the time to reflect upon our spiritual fit- ness? 1 Timothy 4:8 reminds us that “…physical training is of some value, but godliness has value in all
things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
If your relationship with the Lord is at the center of your New Year’s resolution this year, it has a better chance of success. Here are a few thoughts on how each of us can deepen our relationship with the Lord as we enter the New Year:
1) Actively seek ways to become more involved in church. Becoming more involved in your congre- gation will lend opportunities for service, fellowship, and worship.
2) Instead of resolving to jump head-first into a daily Bible study, start by pledging to spend just one additional hour a week reading God’s word. Split this time into smaller segments such as fifteen minutes during your lunch break.
3) Make the resolution with a friend or loved one. Having another person involved will make the time more enjoyable as well as provide an additional layer of accountability.
I challenge each of you to resolve to become more spiritually fit this New Year. Psalm 37:5-6 states “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”
Thank you for supporting Katy Christian Magazine in 2009 and I pray that the Lord blesses you and your family greatly in the year ahead.