New Year Reflections

Another year has come and gone. Some goals have been achieved while others have fallen by the wayside. Many people are filled with a fleeting passion to accomplish more this year than they did last year. Why is that? Here are a few thoughts.

American culture is an interesting animal. The majority of Americans grow up being taught and believing that they can be whatever they want to be and do whatever they set their mind to doing. There is a rugged individualism that is implanted in us practically at birth that tells us in every situation the solution is to try harder. You can do it! There is a sense in which self-reliance can overpower one's way of thinking, even to the extent that it affects the way you view spiritual things.

However, the spiritual reality is quite different than the American sentiment. The unfortunate truth is that we can't do it. In fact, we can't do it so badly that Jesus Christ took the form of a man, lived a sinless life, died a substitutionary death, rose victoriously from the grave, and ascended into heaven, completing the work of redemption for all those who believe. When will we ever fully embrace this truth to the point that it transforms our thoughts, attitudes, and actions?

Don't make a New Year's resolution. Surrender to Jesus Christ, die to yourself, and get a new life. That's the only reality worth living for.

Mike. Out.