NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION #2

Yesterday, we talked about making New Year’s Resolutions that will transform our lives.  

Resolution #1 - Daily Bible Reading.  If you missed it, you can read about it here. 

Today’s resolution #2 – Live as one who knows Christ by surrendering to Him each day.

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”                 Eph. 4:22 – Eph. 5:4

1.  Quit acting as you did before you were saved. Act as one who was created to be like God.

2.  Watch your tongue. Quit lying and deceiving.  Speak only truth. Do not say anything that is unwholesome, coarse, obscene, or foolish.  Speak with words that will build others up.

3.  Do not give Satan any wiggle room in your life through your anger. Confess and apologize before the sun goes down. Get rid of greed, rage, brawling, and slander.  These characteristics seem to lash out at others.  Learn to listen to others and work with them.

4.  Do not steal. Do honest work.

5.  Do not grieve the Holy Spirit; instead be filled with the Spirit.

6.  Get rid of bitterness.  It doesn’t hurt others; it hurts you.

7.  Be kind, compassionate, forgiving, and loving.

8.  Live a life of sexual purity.  Be holy.

Wow!  Seems like a lot more than one resolution, doesn’t it? Truthfully, it takes a lifetime of surrendering each day to Christ, asking Him to take your actions and thoughts and transform them into His.  I am reminded of that old hymn Spirit of the Living God that asks God to “melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.”  Only God can change a heart and a life to be like Him.  But it takes giving up your rights and surrendering daily, sometimes minute-by-minute, to Him.