“Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.” (Luke 17:33)
New Year’s Day…The one day of the year when we look back at the year we’ve just experienced in relation to the year that lies ahead of us.
If you’re like me, you’re already hoping to see some much needed change in your life during 2005. New Year’s Resolutions, we call them, although they are really nothing more than a list of the things that are frustrating us most in life. Interesting, isn’t it? Our New Year’s resolutions often point to some of our most glaring weaknesses.
Looking back at how we have lived is important. After all, if we don’t learn from history, we are sure to repeat it. But don’t look at just the physical, financial, or emotional areas of your life. Look at the spiritual progress that you have made over the last year and ask yourself this question, Am I closer to God today than I was this time last year?
I wouldn’t wish the year I’ve had on anyone, but I also wouldn’t trade what I’ve learned during it for anything. In April, my daughter almost lost her life in a traffic accident in which two of her friends died. It was horrible experience for any parent, but I learned so much about the importance of a strong faith and fervent prayer. In September, I was unexpectedly fired from my job as county manager in the community in which I live. The public uproar that ensued ultimately made a difference and I was rehired in December. It, too, was a horrible experience, but I have come to understand so much more about God’s grace and the value of lasting friendships.
While I’ve grown from what’s happened, I’ve also realized how much farther I need to go. I freely admit that I am not where I want to be spiritually, but I’m grateful for the small victories that this last year brought my way.
The 1800’s songwriter, Horatius Bonar, realized that it’s the little things that can make or break the Christian. He wrote, “A holy life is made up of a multitude of small things. It is the little things of the hour and not the great things of the age that fill up a life.”
He’s right. Most of us tend to look for big changes in our lives when we try to measure our spiritual progress, but we shortchange God when we overlook the small victories he has brought our way.
So this year, in addition to the New Year’s resolutions for the year ahead, look back and acknowledge the small changes that the last year produced in you. It is there where you will find a loving and caring God who is more than ready to help you win the battles that 2005 will bring your way.
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