- JANUARY 2009 -
Undoubtedly, everyone of us is looking ahead into the upcoming year with expectations for change. Some of us are probably writing out some sort of list of "New Year's Resolutions" while some have simply given up or lost hope of ever fulfilling any such whims or desires. I think it appropriate (even expedient) that we deal with this concept of personal expectations at the very outset of the new year. What thought have you given to the person you have been and are at this present time? Do you feel a need for making changes to the better? What do you truly perceive as the better you? What changes would you have to make in yourself in order to become your "ideal" self? If you were given opportunity to stand before someone right now who was able to help you become more acceptable to yourself, what would you tell him you thought was wrong with you, and, what would you ask him to do for you in order to affect the change (or changes) you seek?
As Christians, we know that we must give account to Christ for everything we think, do or say (not just once a year, but continually throughout every moment of every day of the year). This is the duty of the faithful steward who realizes he/she does not belong to himself/herself but to the Lord who bought him/her with His own blood. However, there is something special about the spirit of the Holiday Season that stirs us up to take stock of our lives totally (spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically and materially). I thank God for His wisdom in dealing with our forefathers in setting the holidays in right order. It amazes me how we finitely want to question and discuss (even argue) over dates and times, when infinitely God has placed all in perfect order for the sincere heart. The season begins with the Thanksgiving Feast (praising God and thanking Him for His benevolent goodness toward us in giving us all things to enjoy). Next comes the Christmas Celebration of God's greatest (unspeakable) Gift of His Son who brought Light and Life to man (turn on all the lights you can and fill the air with the joyful sound of those grand old Gospel Carols). And next comes the time for preparing ourselves for great (new) expectations (by clearing ourselves and our record through soul-searching, prayer-provoking inventory of our lives).
Here, I would like to state the necessity of sincere contrition and submission. We must of course confess our sins and seek after total repentance. But, there is also that dire need to present even the good that we have done and to cast what crowns we feel we've won at the feet of the One who has caused us to triumph victoriously. It is not in you, O man or woman, it is in and through and by your God. Without Him we can do nothing, but (thanks be to God) we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. And then, as we step into the new year, we go with the confidence of knowing that we are where we are because of Him who brought us here and we are here for His purpose. And, He who brought us to this point will undoubtedly see us on to His conclusion for our lives. Rest assured, Saint of the Most High God, "All things work together for the good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" [Romans 8:28]. Make your calling and election sure. Remember "Whose you are is so much more important that who you are" and a "Big name in this world will mean nothing if the name isn't big in His world" (see Matthew 5:17-20).
Now, as you prepare to step into 2009 (or each and every day of the rest of your life), what do you perceive as that "better you" that you intend to strive to be? My prayer for each of us, personally, is that God will grant us grace to be merciful and understanding in our estimate of ourselves, and that He will grant us the grace of wisdom in making our choices, and that He will grant us the grace of perseverance to continue on steadfast in the faith as we trust totally in Him. Know assuredly that "He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure" [Philippians 1:6; 2:13]. Everything we have done (whether good or bad) works together to make us what we are in this present time. We cannot change the past, but by committing all that we are into His hands we become what He will have us to be today, tomorrow and forever.
Here's a footnote I feel led to add for someone (this is not a cop-out but is for your sincere, sanctified contemplation): "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing . . . [BUT] I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord . . . [THAT] There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" [Romans 7:18, 25; 8:1].
Happy New Year! Happy New Life! Happy New You!
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