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Here it comes, the year of Our Lord, two thousand eighteen! I think it’s amazing that the phrase, “the year of Our Lord” is a real thing…it’s a subtle reminder that Christ has a command of History.
So, what are your plans for the New Year? Will Christ have command of YOUR story? The beginning of the year is known for New Year’s resolutions that help us take advantage of a fresh start. We propose to ourselves that we will put forth the effort to 'do better'. We want to embrace healthy habits which usually come from a long look at our current situation: We may not be in the shape that we’d prefer – because we’re not eating sensibly, and we lack the energy and drive to change.

Most things are hardly ever ONE thing – eating better is not enough to fully improve your overall health, just as no amount of exercise can reverse the effects of an bad diet. Furthermore, sporadic starts and stops, as well as yo-yo dieting can cause lasting detriment to your health. I used the health and exercise scenario because it’s the most common New Year’s resolution. There are many other areas of change we embrace – A new career path to realize financial success goals. New hobbies or interests that help with feelings of happiness and fulfilment. There’s also something to be said for the things we need to let go of for a fresh start such as unhealthy relationships.

As we take advantage of this opportunity to begin anew – How much more beneficial that we look to reorient ourselves for Spiritual service and fulfilment. Have you considered the opportunities you’ll take in this coming year that will benefit your Spiritual growth and progressive righteousness? Things like studying Scripture, mission trips, donations, serving in ministry or even just assisting people who already do. And on the flip side, what spirit impacting bad habits do we have that need to be done and over with?

Here’s The Word:

Colossians 3:12 - 17 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

The Epistles are wonderful reading for New Years. None of them are written to old churches with members who have gotten into the well-known ruts “Christianity”. No. For the most part, these are all small pockets of new believers who are being challenged and encouraged to embrace what is a new and different thing to what had been before. They’re being cautioned about many “natural” tendencies that still plague us today and they all point to the Truth of The Risen Savior, who is now LORD. He was the Lord of the beginning in creation, the Lord of advent at His first coming, just as He’ll be King of kings and Lord of Lords at the end. Let’s resolve to put Him first, even now, and in the coming Year of Our Lord, Two Thousand eighteen.

In Him,
Cros