If you’re like me, you’ve been inundated by messages about how to start the new year out right. Many of us are telling ourselves, this year, I’m going to do it. I’m going to lose the weight. I’m going to take better care of myself. I’m going to work on my anger problem. I’m going to get more consistent taking my vitamins. I’m going to improve my skill set. I’m going to start working out. I’m going to be a more dedicated Christian. I’m going to adopt healthier eating habits. I’m going to be a more patient parent and a more loving spouse. I’m going to take the class. I’m going to better myself.
When 2021 was starting, what did you tell yourself? How about 2020? I lovingly am wondering, how has that been working for you?
Again, if you’re like me, you’ve no doubt run into a wall time and time again when it comes to “self-improvement.” The truth is, God never intended for you and me to better ourselves. He intended for us to let Him be in charge of the home improvement projects on His chosen habitation: you and me.
Look at the Galatians passage above. Holy Spirit is asking us a question. How did you get saved? Did you save yourself from hell? No? Well then, if you were utterly dependent on Me at the outset, dear child, what makes you think you can make it the rest of the way by pulling yourself up by your boot straps?
Human effort is so limited. Yes, God needs our will to be entirely submitted to His, in order to fully work His extraordinary transformation in our lives. However, our will is not the power source of said transformation. He is the power source. He is the Author and Finisher. He is the Initiator and Completer. He is the Alpha and Omega. He is the One who will perfect the good work He began in you.
The philosophy of humanism, which directly contradicts this truth, is pervasive in our culture. The American Humanist Association (AHA) defines it as, “a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism and other supernatural beliefs, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good of humanity”* (bold emphasis mine). In other words, it’s the belief that humans can perfect themselves, without God’s help. It makes men and women their own god. The AHA’s motto is “Good Without God.”
This message is one of the devil’s means of stealing from God’s children, to the degree that we let it subtly creep into our thinking. “If I can just pull it together in this area, God will be happy with me.” “If I just pray more fervently…” “If I just witness more faithfully to my coworkers…” “if I just try harder…”
No. God created us to be utterly, entirely dependent on Him for life… and breath… and growth… and transformation… and fruit bearing… and absolutely everything! Jesus became a human to model for us exactly us how to do this. “So Jesus explained, ‘I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does’” (John 5:19, NLT, bold emphasis mine).
Here’s how it works: He initiates, you respond. He strengthens, you lean in. He flows, You channel. He moves, you yield. He leads, you follow. He empowers, you persevere.
So, about those New Years’ resolutions… Have you asked Him what’s on His heart for 2022?
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What are your thoughts for moving forward in the New Year?
Feeding On Jesus 
Loved this Jennifer. So true that we did not receive our salvation by doing anything so why then do we think we can strive and better ourselves. Well said.
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Sorry accidentally sent it before finishing.
That does not mean we minimise the importance of our efforts in surrender and obedience.
Thank you Jennifer and a happy new year to you and your family
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True, Manu. Even though God can do miraculous things in our lives, He won’t violate our will. If we want to try to fix things ourselves, He’ll let us. Not that we’ll be happy with the results… 🙄
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Such an important complementary truth, Manu! He really does ask for absolutely all of us in surrender, so that He can work these changes in us. Thank you so much for that thought. A beautiful 2022 filled with His presence be yours!
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Amen, Jennifer! The harder we try to improve things by our own effort, the worse the mess we make. (Please don’t ask me how I know this. 🙄) The only effective “will power” is MY WILL + HIS POWER. (He does it all, the only thing I have to do is be willing to yield to Him, as you describe so beautifully.)
Have a wonderful 2022!
Blessings,
Annie
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I love how you explained that, Annie, thank you! And AMEN to a wonderful 2022 — the best is yet to come!
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If resolutions worked I’d be superman ( well not literally!). Experience has taught me that all, everything, is grace. I no longer pray for anything other than knowledge of God’s will for me today and the power to carry “that” out. Everything I try to do on Greg Power seems to end up at worst, a disaster, and at best, second best. Sometimes the largest sin I commit is settling for less than God intends for me.
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Profound and thought provokng reflection, Greg, thank you! It made me smile how you worded that, “Greg Power.” 😀
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I am utterly helpless without Him.
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Meeee tooooo!
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This week, I’m just starting to have thoughts of any kind! We’ve been occupied with the results of an EF4 tornado blasting through my town Dec. 10 (prayers, please). But time does still go on, doesn’t it, and things must be done which are, and are not, related to recovery from the storm. In this extraordinary situation, God will use me and others in extraordinary ways. I have therefore made no specific resolutions; I hope simply to stay open, stay aware, and do what He needs me to do.
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Wow. Words seem inadequate right now, but I am thinking about what amazing opportunities are before you in this new year, to be the hands and feet and heart of Jesus to so many in need. My prayers will continue.
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My last New Year’s Resolution, which I have faithfully kept for 41 years, was in 1969 as I was in the middle of my senior year at high school: Resolved, I will never make another New Year’s Resolution. I think I will follow your lead and ask Father what He wants me to do! 😉
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I chortled quite loudly when I read this. Absolutely love it. Thank you C.A. for adding joy to my day!
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I am seeking more joy this year! The Holy Spirit is giving me lots of ideas how, and I am overflowing with it, so I am sharing joy with others. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. The last 2 years of Covid restrictions and so many deaths, has weakened my joy a bit, so Holy Spirit please help me find more joy!
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I am rejoicing to read it, Janet! That’s SO cool, because I have been sensing that the word He’s giving me personally for 2022 is just that, joy! Thank you so much for sharing this 🙂
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Now, this is the right approach, Amen!
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Thanks Alan! Grace and peace!
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Jennifer, your use of Galatians in this post is a blessing. Our own works will always remain miniscule when compared with the deposits of grace from our Father.
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Amen! Thank you, Richard 🙂 And thank You Father for such infinite grace!
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This is very deep and the perfect word to start of the new year. Thank you for sharing! It really is as simple as letting the Holy Spirit lead and we follow…that’s it. God bless!
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