Have you ever wondered why it is that every year when we establish for ourselves goals for the new year, those common “new year’s resolutions,” we seem ineffective in keeping them? The desire to effectuate change in ourselves is strong, the commitment firmly established. Yet for all the tenacity, our energy wanes throughout the winter months, our endurance washed away with the rains of spring.
Effectuating lasting change in our lives proves quite difficult. We are capable of accomplishing such changes by our own will, but it is hard. That’s why it is referred to as “will power.” It takes a lot of power of the will to sustain behavioral changes. And for all the efforts, the changes are merely external modifications intended to change outward appearance or behaviors, or to better our position in society or community.
Inside, you are still the same you. Your nature has not been altered nor transformed.
It’s like a greyhound that has been retired out of a career of racing. He can be cleaned up and trained to perform in acceptable ways to live in your house. But the minute a squirrel darts across its path, bye-bye dog. This is because, for all the baths and behavioral modifications given, the nature of the dog has not changed.
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away, behold the new has come.
II Corinthians 5:17
There is only one way to effectuate a real and lasting change and that is in Jesus Christ. This is because, although we can change our behaviors and appearance, only He can change our nature. Any self-effort bears temporary results. Many of us have proven we are capable of cleaning up our exterior, our actions, even our mouths, but only Christ can clean up the interior and change the true person, the very essence of who we are.
…seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed…after the image of its creator.
Colossians 3:9-10
If you are in Christ, your old sin nature is dead. It is gone. Now the Light of the World gives you His nature and you are no longer uncontrollably “chasing squirrels.” You are no longer bound to sin to do those things that you don’t want to do, but don’t seem able to stop. (Romans 7:19-20)
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ Who lives in me.
Galatians 2:20
In Christ there is the freedom to do that which we truly want to do. In Christ the toiling ends and we find a rejuvenating rest for our souls.
So I encourage you today: If there is any place in your life that you have not surrendered to the lover of your soul, take a rest from your striving, your working, and the ceaseless revolving door of failed goals. Release yourself to Jesus Christ. Take your eyes off yourself and place them squarely on the King. Let Him be the true Lord of your life and enjoy the refreshing rest, the overwhelming peace, and the unspeakable joy that comes with surrender.
I guarantee, you will like the new you in this new year!
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Great Word. So true.That is what I want this year. To be more like Jesus and less like me.