All Things New 2013

Today, more than any other day, you are like me and billions of other people around the world. Together, we approach each New Year with our cups filled with resolve to grow in some area(s) of our lives.

Whether it be reading more, spending more time with our families, eating better, exercising more, we all have some facet in our lives in which we would like to see improve. But the reality is for most resolutions they fall to the wayside and only leave us with a great sense of guilt and failure.

Tullian Tchividjian gives us a good word with regards to how we are to view ourselves when most, if not all, of our resolutions fail:

“Today is the very first day of a brand new year. And for many that means a fresh start.

“This is the year. It all starts now. We resolve to turn over a new leaf–and this time we’re serious. This time we’re really going to try, we’re not going to quit. We promise ourselves that we’re going to quit bad habits and start good ones. We’re going to get in shape, eat better, lust less, waste less time, be more content, more disciplined, more intentional. We’re going to be better husbands, wives, fathers, mothers. We’re going to pray more, serve more, plan more, give more, read more, and memorize more Bible verses. We’re going to finally be all that we can be. No more messing around.”

“Well…I say try. Seriously, try. You might make some great strides this year. I’m hoping to. There are a lot of improvements I’m hoping to make over the next 12 months. But don’t be surprised a year from now when you realize that you’ve fallen short…again.
For those who try and try, year after year, again and again, to get better and better, with seemingly less and less success…I have good news for you: you’re in good company!”

Thank God, we are not alone! What I’m most deeply grateful for is that God’s love for me, approval of me, and commitment to me is not dependent on my success and resolve, but on Christ’s success and resolve for me. As “Speedy” sang in the Alka- Seltzer” song… “Oh, what a relief it is.” Finally, relief from the “heart burn” of condemnation! Woo Hoo!!

God’s never ending grace is the good news announcing His infallible devotion to us in spite of our lack of devotion to Him. The gospel is not a command to hang onto Jesus. Rather, it’s a promise that no matter

how weak and unsuccessful our faith and efforts may be, God is always holding on to each of us through our Savior Jesus Christ.

It’s ironically comforting to me as this new year gets under way that I am weak and He is strong–that while my love for Jesus will continue to fall short, Jesus’ love for me will never fall short.

For, as Mark Twain said, “Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, your dog would get in and you would stay out.”