“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
– 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
As we approach 2017, we may be finding ourselves reflecting on 2016 and thinking about how to make 2017 better. Maybe you hated 2016 or maybe 2016 was an awesome year for you? Regardless if you had a great 2016 and now find yourself in your best spot yet, there’s still always room for improvement.
As followers of Christ, we always need to be willing to allow God to transform us into the people that He wants us to become. Romans 12:1-2NLT says, “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Acts 1:19 refers to Apostle Paul as a “chosen vessel.” On the day of our Salvation by Jesus Christ, we became vessels of the Holy Spirit, who came to dwell in us as our comforter and guide. As His vessels, God will continually transform us, as long as we are willing to allow God to use us. As we approach 2017, what are some ways we can become better vessels for Jesus Christ? Perhaps, we could strive to read the Bible and pray more to enrich our spiritual lives and draw closer to the Lord? Maybe we need to be more open with our faith and share God’s Word with more people? We could resolve to live holier lives, that are more set apart for God? We could resolve to spend more of our physical energies in service work to those in need? We could resolve to become better stewards of our vessels (bodies) by eating healthier and exercising more? After all, we need our bodies (vessels) to do God’s work. May we take this time to consider all of the ways we can become better vessels for Jesus Christ in 2017.
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” -Philippians 1:6 NLT
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for all of the wonderful blessings, that You have bestowed upon us in 2016. As 2017 approaches, please give us hearts and minds that are willing to follow Your lead. Please continue to transform us and make us in the people You want us to become. Please help us to use 2017 to not only please You, but to bring you glory with our lives. Also, Lord Jesus please fill 2017 with Your amazing love, joy, peace, guidance, wisdom, protection, and blessings. Amen.
