By: Erlinda Mejia Olson
2 Corinthians 5:17 ~ "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
Some people live for the approval of others. Others live in order to have a perfect body, to become the most sought after men and women in the community, own the finest goods, have the most fun, or make a name for themselves, all for the sake of instant self-gratification. Meanwhile, some people live without specific goals or dreams, living life lavishly each day with no sense of purpose and directions.
2 Corinthians 5:17 ~ "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
Some people live for the approval of others. Others live in order to have a perfect body, to become the most sought after men and women in the community, own the finest goods, have the most fun, or make a name for themselves, all for the sake of instant self-gratification. Meanwhile, some people live without specific goals or dreams, living life lavishly each day with no sense of purpose and directions.
What fills your mind and your heart? How do you live each day? The Bible says in Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
I admire Apostle Paul, who lived fully, deeply, and intensely for the sake of the gospel of Christ. If Paul is still alive today, and read this article, he won't take any credits for himself, being the Christ-centered man that he was. He lived with a God-centered purpose, and he made every day count. He wasn't motivated by personal success or impressing other people. Instead, Paul was driven and compelled by God's agenda: to share the news of eternal life through Jesus. Paul saw that his life was meaningless if he didn't allow God to use his life in the work of the kingdom.
Read through the Book of Acts and you will see Paul's willingness to do anything to make God more well-known and to see God's will fulfilled. If Paul's time, energy, abilities—his whole life—could be used for such lofty purposes, what could God do with your life?
Ask yourself, "What am I living for?" If you are in the process of penning down your new year's resolutions, make God the goal of all you do through Jesus. He is the best place to start. Instead of going through the mere emotion of trying to re-invent yourself every year, be up for a real change. Ask God to make real changes in your life for good, through His Son Jesus Christ, and watch God use you in ways you could never imagine.
As the new year unfolds right before our very eyes, I wish you a New Year filled with JOY, and a REAL LIFE-CHANGING experience. The ultimate resolution you could ever make in your life now and the life to come. And may God grant you victory as you seek to grow, and be changed in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior.
"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace." (Acts 20:24)
Have a Blessed New Year!
