Inspirational Thoughts for the New Year

A New Year represents new possibilities for all. Christians may wish to mark the new year by greater spirituality by a renewed commitment to Christ.

 Christianity is about new beginnings. Christians believe that when a person gives his/her life to Christ, the believer gets a new lease on life according to the following words in Romans 6:4,
"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

All Things Have Become New

As the old year is left behind, Christians can look forward to fresh opportunities to experience a higher level of spirituality by leaving old behaviours and habits behind, as the Scripture says in 2 Corinthians 5:17,"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!."

Old Ways Have Been Put To Death

The Bible speaks encouraging words to those who struggle to put their past sinful life behind them. Paul wrote to the Roman Christians in Romans 6:6," For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin."For Christians, Romans 6:6 offers affirmation that in Christ, the believer’s old way of living has been slain. Old habits and behaviours no longer have control and power over the believer whose life is submitted to their religion.

Freedom in Christ to Live a New Life for Him

Since the born-again Christian has been freed from the burden of the former sinful way of life, it's believed that he or she is free to live for Jesus as the Scriptures teach in Colossians 3: 1, 2, “ Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Christians believe that they are called to focus their thoughts on Christ upon His throne and to give less thought to earthly things which will soon pass away.
Christians also believe that the Bible teachings will prepare believers for living in a glorious kingdom, as Colossians 3: 4 says,"When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."  Though the “old man” has been crucified with Christ, notice the command in Colossians 3:5, “So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you.” (New Living Translation) Many Christians believe that they are called to actively fight against sin.

Service, the Christian's Greatest Joy

A Christian’s greatest joy may then be realized when he or she is enlisted in the service of God, as 2 Timothy 2:21 says," Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. "

In Christ, believers believe that they are called to begin a new each day, turning from a life of service to self and sin, to serving God and humanity. Nevertheless, when the cares of life crowd the thoughts spirituality suffers. The New Year is a reminder to the Christian of the blessigs of the past year and a reminder that in Christ all things have become new. In this way, the New Year can mark the beginning of renewed commitment to Christ.