What NOT to change in the new year

 

The title of this article might seem negative, but truly there are certain things that we should NOT want to change in 2017. As Christians, we should rejoice in the knowledge that the Lord’s expectations for us will remain constant. Since Christ established His church (Acts 20:28), the work He gave it to do remains the same two thousand years later.

 

The Bible describes the church as the “pillar and ground of truth” – will that change in 2017? It better not (I Tim. 3:15). The same can be said for spreading the good news and edifying the body of saints (Eph. 4:11-12; Mark 16:15-16). If someone argues that these things have changes, we know that something is just not right.  Here is a list of specific things that should not change in the coming year. As you read the list, ask yourself if these things have been changing in 2016.

 

1. Continuing to examine ourselves that we are in the faith (II Cor. 13:5).

 

2. Looking out for spiritual brethren to see if they are wandering from the truth and trying to bring them back if they stray (James 5:19-20).

 

3. Praying earnestly to make a difference in your own life and in the lives of others (James 5:16).

 

4. Living righteously and letting our lights shine (Matt. 5:13-16)

 

 

5. Worshipping our God whenever the saints are gathered (Heb. 10:25).

 

6. Using our abilities so they continue to improve (Matt. 25:14-30).

 

7. Feeding on God’s word to become skillful in teaching it (Heb. 5:12-14).

 

8. Sharing what we have by being hospitable (Rom. 12:13).

 

9. Facing hardships by suffering for doing the right thing rather than compromising (I Pet. 4:14-16).

 

10. Leaving vengeance to the Lord and being kind to our enemies (Rom. 12:19-20).

 

11. Avoiding all sorts of sexual immorality in our own lives and in our entertainment choices (Rom. 1:29-32).

 

12. Guarding our tongue by watching what we say and how we say it (James 3; Eph. 4:29).

 

13. Doing acts of kindness that are not seen by others and being clothed with humility (Matt. 6:1).

 

14. Showing love for our brothers and sisters (II Thess. 1:3).

 

15. Being thankful for our faith in Christ Jesus (Col. 2:7).

 

16. Recognizing our blessings in the Lord (Eph. 1:3-4).

 

If these things did not exist in your life in 2016, then you must see that the Lord expected them and will continue to. Let’s do all we can to remain steadfast on these points in 2017.

 

                                                                                              Chuck