Our country emphasizes the changes of a new year. Many Christians, including me, are caught up in the joy and anticipation of renewal in their lives. That’s not at all “bad”, for such feelings may inspire one to reform his attitude and revise his actions. However, this new year is only a calculation of time. It has no “magic formula” to transform us, either for good or ill. This new year can’t:
- Provide a plan of peace and pardon. God did that “in Christ” 2,000 years ago (2 Corinthians 5:19).
- Offer a sacrifice for sin. Jesus did that when He died voluntarily on the cross (John 10:17-18; Hebrews 10:1-18).
- Change and cleanse your heart. That’s your duty through the power of the gospel (Proverbs 4:23; James 4:8).
- Make us happy. God has a plan for happiness, and it involves righteousness in Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:4-8; 1 Peter 3:10-11).
- Cause one to be successful. Fortune is not always fair among mankind (Ecclesiastes 7:15; 9:11).
- Promise a long life. We don’t know what tomorrow may bring (James 4:15-17).
- Forgive last year’s sins. But God will do exactly this when we repent (Luke 15:1-32; James 5:16).
- Destroy God’s love for you. “Keep yourselves in the love of God” (Jude 21; cp. Romans 8:37-39).
- Erase temptation. We have to see seek the way of escape to overcome the wicked one (1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 John 2:14).
- Dry sorrow’s tears. That’s the hope of heaven, a beautiful place where all the temporal cares will disappear (Revelation 21:4).
There’s nothing a new calendar can do to mold and modify you, but you can resolve to choose the focus and function of your life (Joshua 24:15; Luke 15:17-18). In the fullness of time, God’s love sent Christ to die for your sins and mine. So regardless of what this new year may hold in store, walk wisely and “redeem the time” (Ephesians 5:15-16).
Larry Hafley
