‘New Year’ seems to be synonymous with ‘new start’ these days, doesn’t it?
2022 has barely begun and already my inbox is full of enticing opportunities to ‘improve my life’.
“Take this career-enhancing course and climb that corporate ladder.”
“Start an exercise regimen and get the body you’ve always wanted.”
“Follow these money-saving tips and finally afford that dream vacation/house/car.”
The list goes on.
But sometimes all this ‘self-improvement’ can look a lot like chasing the wind. Striving for personal fulfillment in places that will never fully satisfy. Perhaps at the dawn of this new year, we should be asking ourselves some different self-improvement questions:
How can I love others more abundantly?
How can I use my time and resources more selflessly?
How will the fruits of a Spirit-led life be evident in my day-to-day life—even and especially when no one is watching.
How can I live out my God-given calling in this current season?
Jesus said Himself in John 10:10: “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (NLT). So while many of us may enjoy the challenge of a new skill or project this year, plan that long-awaited vacation, or take important steps to improve our health and well-being, let’s remember these things are not the hallmarks of a successful year—or life. They do not define us. They do not give us our worth.
Only a life surrendered to Jesus can bring us the fulfillment, meaning, and joy that our souls so desperately crave. He is the only ‘new start’ we ever truly need.
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