Regardless of whether you are a new year’s resolution person, everyone needs to take some time at the threshold of a new year to self-evaluate just where you are in life. Then consider what changes might be in order to attain greater quality of life and sense of purpose. Resolutions are usually in categories such as health, finances, family, and personal habits. However, there is another category of resolution that will reap more rewards than anything you have probably thought of.
Most of us need to be more fit and in better shape. We should quit some bad habits. Some family relationships should be strengthened. And who doesn’t need to spend less and save more in the coming year? However, almost all areas of life change are linked to the one most important adjustment we can make–a spiritual renewal. If our spiritual condition is not in shape, it affects everything else in our lives. Here are some suggested initiatives for making 2019 the year of spiritual renewal.
First, if you don’t have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, you are in critical condition spiritually and in dire need of getting that most important aspect of your life settled once and for all. I invite you to visit my “Eternity” page on this website: http://terrythompson.org/eternity. Start 2019 right by making it the year you turn your life over to the Lord and begin growing in your understanding of His best for you.
If you are just not sure of where you stand with God and have doubts about your eternal destiny, you need to have that absolute assurance in order to live life to its fullest. I invite you to start 2019 by reading the Book of First John (not the Gospel of John, but the short book near the end of your Bible). Read it several times pausing at each statement that describes the actions and thoughts of those who truly belong to the Lord. Evaluate your life according to those descriptions. If you can’t identify yourself in this reading, your condition is that of the previous paragraph.
If you are convinced of your salvation according to First John, the best resolution you can make for 2019 may be to devote more time to Bible reading and prayer. Nothing conditions you spiritually more than time spent with Him in reading His Word and communicating with Him. I encourage you to read the entire Bible through in 2019. It only requires about three or four chapters a day. There are several Apps that help and motivate you to do this. Just search the App Store for “read the Bible in a year” and choose one you like. Yes, it takes some extra time each day, but anything worthwhile has to be given priority over something less important.
It is obvious that consistent church attendance in America has been trending downward in recent years. Yet, the Bible is very clear that Jesus established the church and works through it to relate to His people and minister to others. The church is His stated strategy for changing the world. Christians worshiping, praying, fellowshipping, and ministering together within the church is the only way to experience the fullness of what God desires to give us. The Bible teaches that each of us is given special capabilities to be used for Christ particularly through the church. Recommit yourself to serving in your church in 2019.
Finally, even if you are comfortable in your level of spiritual maturity, you spend ample time with the Lord daily, and you are active in church, God will always desire a more abundant life for you and to prepare you even more for eternity with Him. Invite Him to delve more deeply into your life in 2019 showing you little pockets of needed improvement and refining. Let Him cleanse you even more thoroughly for greater works in His kingdom. Allow Him to reveal shortcomings you may not even be aware of, but that need to be confessed and corrected.
There are many ways to improve your life through resolutions in 2019. But, the resolution to renew your life spiritually will improve everything.
Please “like” and “share” this post to wish many others a more abundant life in 2019.
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