A NEW YEAR

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Charles Swindoll said, “Standing on the front edge of a new year is invigorating for some and a little boring for others.” The twelve months stretching out before us can be mysterious, intriguing and even frightening.

“All things are wearisome…That which has been is that which will be, and that which has been done is that which will be done. So, there is nothing new under the sun…I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity (futility) and striving after wind “. (Eccl. 1:8-9, 14)

Sounds pretty boring, but life can be exciting and fulfilling. We can dream big dreams and then with God’s help reach out to fulfill them. We can look to others for our example of how to live. Paul is a good one to emulate. (Galatians 5:19-23)

“Stay away from the things which flesh produce, such as immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, arguments, jealousy, angry outbursts, heresies, envyings, drunkenness, and running around with the wrong crowd. Emulate the things which the Holy Spirit produces, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Be a diligent person. Don’t waver in your faith. Be known for uncompromising moral excellence. Enlarge your reservoir of knowledge; keep learning. Stay balanced; guard against extremes. Persevere. Make sure your godliness is free of hypocrisy. Treat others tactfully, graciously. Let your Christian love flow, let it flow, let it flow.”

If you take these things seriously you won’t be the same person you were last year and you certainly won’t be bored.