I quit making New Year's resolutions years ago. I just don't have the discipline to keep them and don't see the point in kidding myself. I do value the idea of re-evaluating my life and considering how it might be made better during this time though.
Examining my current life there are many things to consider. Maybe I should lose some weight or get in shape. That would be good. Perhaps set up a better plan for my finances; maybe seek out a second job or better job. That's a challenge on many levels these days. How about personal care? Maybe I could just take better care of myself, start taking vitamins, or drinking more water. The one thing that seems to get the least attention though is my spirit man. It doesn't get much attention because it doesn't demand it like other things do. My spirit can get pretty unhealthy without me even realizing it.
Scriptures show that we are made in the image of God. We are a spirit, which will live forever. We have a soul, our thinking, reasoning abilities, and personality. That also is eternal. We live in a body, which is subject to, and necessary for our existence on this earth. Unfortunately it is our body, the shortest-term entity, which gets the most attention. Anytime it needs something we are quick to respond, but how often do we respond when our spirit needs something?
Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." In context, Jesus was comparing the importance of the spirit over the flesh. If we put God first and seek after Him with a true heart we will receive everything we need from Him. If we give Him the chance to speak to us He can guide us into blessing. What we don't usually see is how dependent our natural lives are on the spiritual world around us. If we realize that the natural world is actually shaped by the spiritual we will begin to understand how important our relationship to God is. If we put our relationship with Him and spiritual growth first then we will gain everything we need, and more, through Him.
Eph 3:20 says: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us”. That power is the Word of God. The more our minds are renewed to His ways, and the more we are tuned in to His voice, the more blessed we become. The great thing is that we cannot even imagine what God is able to do in and through us as a result.
Proverbs 4:20 - 22 says "My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings.
Proverbs 4:20 - 22 says "My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings.
21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart;
22 For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh." Pay attention to His words, hear what He has to say, keep them in front of you at all times, and make them preeminent in your heart. Then He can add all the rest to you.
Proverbs is all about seeking the wisdom of God for our lives. He says to seek wisdom and understanding more than anything else, because when we do we make it possible for God to bless us with life, health, and abundance in every part of our lives.
III John 1:2 says: “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” Notice that the prosperity is in ALL things and it, and the health, are dependent on the prosperity of our souls. That’s another way of saying we need to renew our mind. In other words, as we renew our mind, change our thinking patterns, to God’s way of thinking, our soul prospers. When our soul prospers, we gain health, and prosperity in all things.
I’m thinking that it might be a good idea to spend more time in the Word of God this year. Some more one on one time with Him might just be a good thing too. Maybe if I get my thinking adjusted to the way God thinks and nourish my spirit-man I might worry less and actually be able to work my faith. What a concept!
