New Year, New Me!
As the calendar turned to a new year, many of us find ourselves caught up in the familiar mantra of "New Year, New Me." I used to be one of those people, focusing on eating healthy, working out, and keeping my body fit, reading self-help books on personal development.
However, I've come to realize that this approach was rooted in worldly desires and self-reliance, emphasizing my own strength and abilities. The Bible offers a profound alternative to this self-centered perspective. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we are reminded, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" This verse shifts our focus from self-improvement to spiritual transformation through Christ. Instead of relying on our own power, we are called to depend on God's Spirit. Zechariah 4:6 beautifully illustrates this: "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty." This reminds us that true change and strength come from God, not our own efforts.
| Worldly view | Christ-Centered view |
|---|---|
| self Improvement | Christ-likeness |
| human effort | God's power |
| annual | continual |
| behavior modification | spiritual |
When I am Christ-Centered, everything else in my life aligns. He renews us from the inside out.
Below are a few scriptures for popular resolutions
physcial health (body)
eat healthy, exercise, quit hurtful habits
1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.
Romans 12:1 12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
3 John 2 2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
1 Corinthians 3:17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.
Romans 6:6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
Romans 8:9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you.
Mental /Emotional Health (Soul)
reduce screen time, limit comparing on social media, social circle
Ephesians 5:15-16 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Psalm 119:37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.
Matthew 6:30 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
Proverb 13:20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Finances
find more streams of income, make more money, budget
Luke 6:23 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Proverb 22:7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.
Proverb 11:25 A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Proverb 3:9 Honor the Lord with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops.
Malachi 3:10 “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
2 Corinthians 9:10 you will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Remember, as Philippians 4:13 assures us, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. This strength isn't just for physical feats or personal goals, but for living a life that glorifies God and reflects His love to others.
This year, instead of "New Year, New Me," Let's embrace "New Year, New Creation in Christ." May we focus on growing in faith, serving others, and allowing God's Spirit to work through us. In doing this, we'll experience a transformation far more meaningful and lasting than any resolution we could make on our own.
If this spoke to you too, here are some faith-based books that may be helpful on your journey into this new year.
The One Year Walk with God Devotional: 365 Daily Bible Readings to Transform Your Mind (One Year Books)
Learning to think God's way is a process. That's what these daily readings are about―relying upon the Word to redirect our thinking so we understand ourselves, our world, and our God accurately. They are designed to move us further along that path toward renewed minds and transformed lives. As you read this book, let the spirit of God shine the light of true wisdom on you. This special edition is an experience for the soul, and the senses, with a flexible, LeatherLike binding and ribbon bookmark.
This book combines Bible verses, motivational reflections, and stunning Christian-themed artwork to create a peaceful and meditative experience.
How to Make the Most of New Year Resolutions
If you're tired of making resolutions that fade by February, this book offers the keys to set and achieve God-inspired goals that align with His purpose for your life
NKJV, Spirit-Filled Life Bible
Walk in the freedom God intends. Experience the Holy Spirit. The NKJV Spirit-Filled Life Bible, provides a compelling look at Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit – now in full-color with updated features.
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