New Year's Resolution: Unmasking the Spiritual Perspective for a Transformed Year

2023 has drawn to a close, and in case you haven't noticed, it's now 2024, everyone. Yes, 2024, and I want to kick off by wishing each and every one of you a joyous new year.

Embarking on a new year offers the opportunity to start off on the right foot. For many, a new year brings new resolutions and dedicated efforts to fulfill fresh commitments. This could involve hitting the gym, prioritizing health, learning a new skill, or making headway on savings goals. Essentially, the aim is for the new year to usher in a new you. While these are commendable goals to kickstart the year, there's a significant "B-U-T" to consider—it's simply not enough, and it never will be.

If you're not aware, the notion of a "new year, new you," devoid of God, is problematic.

Sure, we can have all these lofty aspirations and goals for the new year, but how likely are you to stick to these resolutions? A month, maybe three? It's straightforward: Nothing in this world is sustainable without the grace of God infusing it. This includes whatever your fresh new resolution might be. But don't worry; there is a way.

Greetings, this is Learning the Word. I'm Tishe, just a sister in Christ aiming to share the lessons learned through my own walk with Christ, from His Word, and the revelations bestowed upon me through the Holy Spirit. My goal is to shed light on daunting questions my fellow brothers and sisters may have and to grow with you in the Word. Join me as we use our worldly matters to dive into the Word!

New Year, New You? Unveiling the Spiritual Perspective

One thing to know about me: I'm not a fan of the "New year, new me" campaign.

My issue with the new year, new you mentality is straightforward; it's misleading. It gives you the false idea that you can change on your own. The reality is, you can't. The only way for a person to truly change is through the renewing of the spirit and mind through the grace of God. Let me explain...

People are made of three things: the flesh, the divine breath of life from God, and the spirit. Unfortunately, we tend to forget about the last two and focus, live, and operate within the flesh. It's unfortunate for us that the flesh is so corrupt.

As believers, we are engaged in a constant battle between the desires of the flesh and the call of the Spirit. The Apostle Paul aptly captures this struggle in his letter to the Galatians.

The Bible says:

"For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." (Galatians 6:8)

Even more so, sin is our default mode.

Sowing in the Flesh vs. Spirit: The Heart Behind Resolutions

As Paul wrote to the churches in the region of Galatia, he addressed various issues, including the concept of bearing one another's burdens, the principle of sowing and reaping, and the importance of living by the Spirit. The truth is that relying solely on our own strength and willpower is a recipe for disappointment. The "new year, new you" mantra often overlooks the crucial role of God's grace in our transformations.

Our flesh, tainted by sin, is inherently weak and prone to corruption. However, in recognizing our dependence on the divine, we open ourselves to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. I love the way Paul has broken this down because it's a direct reflection of what we need to do as believers. Paul employs the metaphor of sowing and reaping to convey a profound spiritual truth.

In the ancient days, farming was very prominent. People planted seeds with the expectation that they would grow into plants and bear fruit or crops. This was not easy; it required action, effort, intention, and a vision for the future harvest.

When Paul speaks of sowing to please the flesh, he refers to our actions driven by self-indulgence, selfish desires, and worldly pursuits. It's the parallel between planting seeds of sinful behavior and gratifying the desires of the fallen, human nature (referred to as "flesh" by Paul). Indulging in this sinful aspect of human nature opposes God. Anything that opposes God leads to death and destruction, including sowing in the flesh.

"Now, I know what you're thinking, 'How could something as good and harmless as a New Year's resolution possibly be considered sowing in the flesh? I am trying to do good for myself?'

That's great—wanting to change your ways is a good sign.

Yet, let's peel back the layers for a moment. See, it's not about the resolution itself; it's about the heart behind it. The Apostle Paul, in his wisdom, reminds us that the quality of our 'sowing' matters. Your desire for positive change is commendable, but the question we must ask ourselves is, 'What's driving these resolutions?'

Are they fueled by societal pressures, a desire for superficial changes, a quest for external validation, or comparison with others? If so, they might inadvertently fall into the category of 'sowing to please the flesh.' It's about digging deeper, understanding the roots of our aspirations, and ensuring that our resolutions are not just about surface-level improvements but are aligned with a genuine desire for spiritual growth.

As I said, as believers, we should understand that everything must be done through the Lord. Remember, it's not about discarding your resolutions but about infusing them with a spiritual perspective. Align your goals with God's principles, seeking His guidance in the process. Let your resolutions become a tangible expression of your commitment to walk in step with the Spirit.

Paul reminds us that actions aligned with the guidance of the Holy Spirit are the correct way to change.

This is also seen in Romans 12:2; "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

By immersing ourselves in God's Word, seeking His guidance through prayer, and surrendering our will to His, we invite the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out. This divine intervention is the key to sustaining resolutions beyond the initial enthusiasm that often fades with time.

Intentional Transformation: A Shared Commitment with God

When your lifestyle choices are characterized by obeying God, following His commandments, receiving the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and seeking to please Him and Him alone; this is akin to sowing in the Spirit. This is pleasing to God.

Keep in mind that you don't have to tackle this journey alone or all at once. Your resolution is a personal commitment entrusted to both yourself and God. It doesn't imply that your goal will be achieved effortlessly, or that God will simply make it happen with a snap of His fingers. Throughout the Bible, the remarkable works accomplished by God's chosen ones often demanded obedience—sacrifice, consistency, mindfulness, and unwavering obedience played pivotal roles in their journeys. So what's to say your journey would be any different?

We worship a God who is abundantly merciful and forgiving, so it's perfectly fine to make mistakes. Achieving your resolution can be challenging and may require time. Much like cultivating a farm, the journey may not be linear. It's likely to be demanding, testing your determination and discipline.

I understand it can be tough; we often encounter obstacles. The continuous commitment and self-discipline might become draining, and the goal could seem overwhelming. In no time, we find ourselves drawn back into the cycle we initially despised. But incorporating God into every aspect of your life is the most fruitful approach. When the aim is to fulfill and uphold your fresh new resolution, who better to assist you than our divine companion?

Matthew 6:33 says it all:

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

So, how do we do this?

Well, it's about intention.

Setting resolutions isn't just a one-time event confined to the beginning; it's an ongoing course of sowing. It involves continuous self-reflection, transformation, and realignment with spiritual values and personal goals over time.

By consistently seeking God's kingdom and weaving our resolutions into His righteous plans, we embark on a journey of profound transformation. This intentional path ensures that our goals transcend mere worldly desires, becoming a reflection of our dedication to walk hand-in-hand with the Spirit. Through this intentional alignment, we face challenges with divine guidance, enabling our resolutions to endure beyond transient enthusiasm. The result is a harvest of enduring joy, peace, and spiritual growth that extends far beyond the fleeting highs.

And that's all I have to say on this matter. Thank you sincerely for spending this valuable time with me. As we conclude, remember that our journey of faith is a continuous exploration, each step drawing us closer to the divine. I encourage you to ponder these insights, allowing them to resonate in your heart as you navigate the path forward. If you have any questions about the Word or seek guidance on your personal spiritual journey, feel free to reach out. I'm not a preacher but a fellow traveler on this road of growth in Christ. Constructive feedback is always welcomed, for, in our mutual pursuit of understanding, we foster a community of learning and support.

This has been Learning the Word with Tishe, where I share my thoughts inspired by my walk with Christ. Your engagement means everything to me, and I'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, or any topics you'd like me to explore in future posts. Join me on this journey of discovery and transformation. You can connect further by commenting, sharing, liking, and subscribing to my blog. Also, get more insights and inspiration on my TikTok @t_inspiration. Until next time, may your journey be filled with God's grace and continual revelation.

Remember to embrace grace and walk in faith!