Happy New Year! God has given us another opportunity to do better. Every year many folks make New Year’s resolutions with the goal of making their lives better by losing weight, finding a better job, improving relationships, and the list goes on. We begin the New Year with the wrong mindset as we think WE can make things better. The ONLY one who can make things better is the one whose birth we just celebrated last week. Let’s look at what He says.
As we read through the book of Romans, we see that Paul has a strong message of renewal for the church. In Romans 12:2, he writes, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” It’s time to stop trying to just get by. We need to look through God’s eyes for what is good and acceptable and PERFECT!
Teaching About Renewal
This verse teaches us that we are called to be transformed, to be renewed in our minds and hearts. But how do we go about this process of renewal? How do we break free from the patterns and pressures of this world and become more like Christ?
One key to renewal is to seek the will of God. We are told in this verse that through the process of testing, we can discern what is the will of God. This means that we must be willing to put our faith to the test, to step out in obedience and see what God is calling us to do. It requires a willingness to take risks, to trust in God even when we don’t know the outcome. If we exercise our faith in the One God it isn’t a risk at all.
Another key to renewal is to focus on what is good and acceptable and perfect. In other words, we are called to set our sights on what is right and true and pure, rather than being swayed by the temporary and fleeting pleasures of this world. This means making choices that honor God and reflect His values, even when it’s difficult or unpopular. Even when it costs us something.
So how do we do this renewal?
How do we live out this call to renewal? One way is through the power of the Holy Spirit. We are told in Romans 8:11 that “if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” The Holy Spirit is the source of our transformation and renewal, and we must rely on Him to guide us and empower us to live out the will of God.
Another way is through community. We are not meant to journey through this life alone, but to support and encourage one another in our walk with Christ. Through fellowship with other believers, we can find encouragement, accountability, and guidance as we seek to be renewed. Let’s make it our personal goal to bring about renewal on social media because so many are searching for encouragement there. Show of hands of folks who have found very much encouragement on social media lately.
Social Media is not so Social!
Here is my take on social media. I don’t know why so many folks think it’s OK to air their dirty laundry on Social Media sites. My mama always said, “Everybody’s business ain’t nobody’s business!” And did you know that you don’t have to make a comment on everybody’s post? I think as Christians we should never pass up an opportunity to keep our mouths shut. Especially when we don’t KNOW the facts. That just makes us gossipers and the Bible has a lot to say about that. Although social media has allowed us to continue our worship services during the pandemic, it can be very distracting if we get caught up in negative posts. You don’t have to be careful what you say if you’re careful what you think! According to Colossians 3:2, we are to set our minds on things above, not on things that are on Earth.
So let us embrace the call to renewal and seek the will of God with all our hearts. Let us focus on what is good and acceptable and perfect and allow the Holy Spirit to work within us. And let us not forget the importance of community, as we encourage and support one another in this journey of transformation.
Let’s Get Started
As we close, I’d like to leave you with a poem that speaks to the theme of renewal:
A new year, a fresh start
A chance to set goals and make a new chart
To look back on the past with gratitude and grace
And move forward with hope and a steady pace
We’ll take small steps and make progress each day
And find strength in the challenges that come our way
We’ll be kind to ourselves and to those around
And always strive to be the best that can be found
So let’s embrace the possibilities of this new year
And all the hope and promise it holds dear
May we find joy in each night and each day
While helping someone to find The Way.
May God bless you as you seek renewal in your own lives, and may you be a beacon of hope and transformation to those around you. Amen.
