“Forgetting what is behind and reaching
forward for what is ahead, I pursue as my
goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly
call in Christ Jesus.” Phil 3:13-14
Every day is a new day and change can
come any time. But there is something
special at the change to the new year that
causes me to reflect. What did I not achieve
last year that I set out to do? (Forgetting
what is behind doesn’t mean I can’t review
the past, but rather that I don’t allow it to
hold me back.) How do I want this new year
to be different? What do I need to do
beginning day one to accomplish my goals?
The old adage is still true: if you always do
what you’ve always done, you will always
get what you’ve always got. In other words,
if you want things in your life to change,
you need to change some things in your life.
The new year is a great time to start
something new. Subway calls it refresh!
Too often it seems life carries us along like
inertia. Reflection requires us to put a pause
in our routine. To some it may seem like
work. But a quick review asking ourselves
why we do it this way can produce great
benefits.
Years ago, our church took an offering for
the Baptist Children’s Home only on the last
Sunday of the month. We only collected a
few dollars. The decision was made to make
all the change (coins) from every offering go
to the Children’s home. The offering
increased by ten times! A simple change (no
pun intended) made a huge difference.
At one time I was reading the back of the
same cereal box every morning. It had no
impact on my life. One day I decided to start
reading the bible instead. That made a great
impact on my life. Simple life changes can
produce great dividends.
Spiritual growth is supposed to be a key
component in the Christian life. As our
bodies grow and mature so should our faith.
“I am sure of this, He who started a good
work in you will carry it on to completion
until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil 1:6
But this spiritual growth requires our
participation. It has to be on our agenda too.
This is what the Apostle Paul was alluding
to with: I pursue as my goal the prize
promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ
Jesus. We are to be growing in
Christlikeness! “Follow me” meant become
like I (Jesus) am.
Each new year we should assess ourselves.
Am I growing in my faith and witness?
What simple changes do I need to make in
my life to become more like Jesus? What
habits do I need to give up that hinder my
Christian growth?
Search my heart Lord and reveal to me what
hinders my growth in knowing You.
…..Bro. Sherman
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