2 Corinthians 5:17 A New Year with a New/Old Resolve

2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

With this New Year not more than one week past us, it seems appropriate to think about newness. Certainly many, if not all, of you have made your New Year's resolutions, some of which you will keep and some of which you will not. Newness surrounds us and encompasses us. The television advertisements show this, the popular magazines show this, and even every speech right now emphasizes this idea of new beginnings. The snow covered landscape outside shows death but the shelves of the local megastores are already looking at Easter.

We, this year and this day, stand on the spot where we must make a decision. We must reconsecrate ourselves to the Lord and remember that we are new creations in Him. Romans 6:6 tells us that our old self was crucified with Him, while verse 4 reminds us that “...just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”

The Psalmist tells us that the world is new daily. Every day there are new wonders to see and new things to do. Each and every day, I am convinced, God places things in our life just for us to see and say “wow!” He is constantly blessing us in ways we cannot see and do not even notice because we have become so enamored with the things of the world again.

This is a battle we must constantly fight, between the old and the new, between our self and our Saviour. I fight this battle and you fight this battle. We need to remember that since we are all fighting, we can all help each other out. My old self and my new self face different issues now than last year, the same goes for you. Let me help you where I can, and you in turn can please help me. Maybe this year I deal with something that you dealt with before and vice versa.

This is a new year, a time for newness of life, of perspective, and refreshment of resolve. Let us therefore reconsecrate ourselves to His service. Let our new lives show new signs of His salvation and redemption! This year let us remind ourselves that we don't walk this road alone, but together! As Christ is there for me, He is there for You. You and I can aid each other as well. God willing, This year will be a year of many changes in each of us!

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.