A New Year Is Coming

A NEW YEAR IS COMING!

Christmas is over, a new year is almost here. Many take some time as the year
ends to evaluate where they are and where they want to be a year from now. Some call
this process making new year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, most of us struggle with the
follow through. We start the new Bible reading plan, we join a gym. We try a new
hobby but by the end of January many of these good intentions lie in ruins. I have
certainly had moments of failure in trying to change. But as a minister for over three
decades, I have watched those who have succeeded. There seems to be some
commonalities among those who change and grow.

First, a definite choice is made. A clear, actionable goal is embraced and written
down. A decision is made, and a new direction is taken. Famous American General
Dwight Eisenhower who was a four-pack-a-day smoker quit cold turkey. When asked
how, he said, “I simply gave myself an order” (The Road To Character, David Brooks,
61). Jesus makes clear the importance of a decision. In John 5 surprisingly he asked a
disabled person of 38 years “Do you want to get well?” As a pastor sometimes parents
will bring me a teen or a young adult who they would like to see change in some way.
When I talk to the young person, sometimes they have no desire to change. I have
learned to step away because any help I can offer will not make a difference until the
person decides to grow. Wives cannot change their husbands, parents cannot change
their adult children, each person must own their own life. God gives us agency, dignity
and choice. What decision do you need to make at the end of 2025 that will significantly
enhance your life in the next year?

Second, as Christians we must invite the Holy Spirit into the process. He is the
power source for the believer. Many of us do not identify with the Dwight Eisenhower
example given earlier. The Spirit is like the wind that powers the sailboat, we merely
trim the sails. The Apostle Paul writes, “and we all, who with unveiled faces
contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever increasing
glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Christians go
beyond “self help” and move into “God help.” This assistance from the Holy Spirit gives
us hope to change even the most entrenched and destructive of our weaknesses.

Third, most who succeed in making significant changes invite allies into their battle.
They hire a life coach. They process with a therapist. They work with a trainer. They
make sure their spouse is on board. They invite friends to pray for them. When we
become Christians, we are given a new family in a local church. If we will invest in
those relationships, those individuals can help us flourish and thrive.

Fourth, those who succeed long term practice gracious persistence. Most “quit
smoking” multiple times before it sticks. Taming our tongues can be a lifelong process.
We are gracious with ourselves when we mess up or return to old patterns, but we resolutely get back up and try again. For the Christian, when we fail, we remind
ourselves that we are God’s beloved. He paid the ultimate price so that we could be
forgiven and set free of our sin. He will not abandon us; He will complete the good work
He is doing in our lives. This is His promise; our job is to persevere in the right
direction.

In a few days we start 2026. What are you going to change? Look forward to the
2.0 version of you that will soon emerge! Isn’t it time for you to flourish?

Pastor Derek Dickinson