January is the month for setting new goals and creating change in our life. However, a recent study shows that 80% (abc.columbia.com) of people who start, disregard those good intentions by February.
Excuses pile up and you’re back where you started. Reasons for abandoning these new goals may be “you’re too busy,” “you don’t have time to add one other item to your ‘to-do’ list,” “the weather is too hot or too cold,” or “I’ll start tomorrow.”
Members in our congregations will agree: keeping them is the problem. And I’ve heard this statement several times. “The only promise I ever make — is to ‘not’ make promises or vows!”
Several years ago on a cold January day, I visited my paternal grandmother who was at least 97 years at the time. Her hair was rolled up in those plastic pink curlers that were popular at the time. I could tell she had plans for the evening. So, I asked, “Grandmother, are you going out for the evening?”
Immediately, she gave me a sly grin and said, “Yes, there is a service at my church tonight and I’m going! Someone is picking me up.”
I thought to myself, you’re 97 years old and you’re going out on a cold, rainy January night? But I didn’t say anything.
“After living these 97 years, I’ve discovered something,” she added. “During the month of January, I always set new goals or guidelines — things I want to accomplish for the coming year.
Every January our church and community meet for a service. Our Christian friends who gather share their goals with others. I’ve discovered after all these years, when you tell someone the changes you plan to make, you are more apt to keep those goals. Telling others makes me more accountable. It works for me.”
So often we set guidelines that focus on physical change, to spend less money, to lose weight and other personal attributes. But what about spiritual change? How can we become more spiritual minded during the coming year? These scripture verses will help you achieve those goals.
Scripture to help maintain your goals
1. Think of January as a time for new beginnings. God has a plan for every one and this verse can help you accomplish changes in your life this year.
“For I know the plans I have for you; declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV).
2. We are reminded that giving thanks and praise to Him reminds us of the importance of these blessings.
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name” Psalm 100:4 (NIV).
3. God’s love for His children never fails. He is there to comfort and when we make mistakes. He will always love us.
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail” Lamentations 3:22 (NIV).
4. The Bible is a book for new beginnings. In Christ, we are made new.
“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” Ephesians 4:22 (NIV).
5. When we are stressed, the Bible reminds us to turn to prayer and thanksgiving instead of worry and fear.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” Philippians 4:6 (NIV).
6. Jesus commands His followers to love God and others. Regardless of past relationships, start the year off with loving others.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” John 13:34 (NIV).
7. Life changes. But we know we serve an unchanging God. He is always consistent. Remember this as we go forward in the new year.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” James 1:17 (NIV).
8. As we begin a new year, remember to give our anxiety over to God.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” I Peter 5:7 (NIV).
9. As we think of new beginnings, we need to focus on the plans He has for our life. In the joys and in the sorrows. During successful times and in times of struggle.
“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed” Psalm 20:4 (NIV).
10. Keep Christ in the center of all we do and hold everything in the name of Jesus. Whatever we do, follow biblical principles and know who we serve.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” Colossians 3:17 (NIV).
Suggestions
Use these suggestions to ensure your Spiritual commitment continues throughout the year.
- Include daily exercise. Start with a brief walk, then increase the distance each day. Praise God for the beauty He created. God planned for us to live a life of service to others. A healthy body allows you to serve both God and others.
- Spend more time reading God’s Word. Know the Bible stories and how you can apply them to your life.
- Share these Bible stories with your children or grandchildren.
- Maintain a positive attitude. No one enjoys being around a negative person. God wants His children to live a happy life.
- If you’re older, make a list of what you no longer have or can’t do. Then, make another list of how God has blessed your life and what you have now.
- Dedicate time to pray, yet offer spontaneous prayers often.
- Learn something new about the Bible every day. Make a list of Bible trivia questions that you write in a journal. In a year, you will have learned 365 new facts about His word.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Carolyn Tomlin and originally published by Baptist and Reflector.
