Fresh Start...

With the close of 2010, a New Year draws nigh. And, of course, with the approach of 2011, many of us are perhaps pondering resolutions and fresh starts. I am no exception. Both Sheri and I are planning to implement the South Beach diet after the first of the year. Indeed, resolutions run the gambit:

• I am going to lose 15 pounds.
  
• I am going to rid myself of addictive behaviors such as smoking or drinking.
  
• I am going to exercise three to four times a week for 40 minutes each day.
  
• I am going to pay of my credit card debt.
  
• I am going to learn how to play a musical instrument.
  
• I am going to take up a hobby that I have been putting off for years.
  
• I am going to be a better spouse.
  
• I am going to be a better parent.
  
• I am going to make a greater commitment of my time, talent and treasure to the Lord.
  
• I am going to spend 20 minutes a day in prayer and Scripture reading.
  

The proverbial list goes on and on. Obviously, desiring positive change is a good thing. We instinctively know that our lives are always in need of improvement and re-calibration. By sheer force of will, we are able to achieve much of what we desire. However, the reality is that our own efforts fall dismally short when it comes to significant, substantive change. Only God can bring about true, internal transformation. Only his Spirit can create us anew (2 Corinthians 5:17), resulting in sustainable fruit that we are incapable of producing under our own power: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23) This New Year, my prayer is that all of us will recommit anew to surrendering our lives to the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying, internal work within our hearts and minds.
​Keep the faith,
Pastor Tony