Out with the Old

So here we are in January and the general consensus is to start a new plan for the year. Exercise routines, diet plans, Bible reading plans, work habits, cleaning out closets…the idea is “out with the old and in with the new”. But what might that look like spiritually?

So, let’s open up that spiritual closet and see what doesn’t fit any more. Hmmm, a verse a day keeps the devil away bible study… too small. It’s time to size up and take on a chapter. That’s not to say a well-placed verse at the right time isn’t enough in the moment. But if we want to really grow spiritually, we need to dig a little deeper. Next item… five minute prayer times… too tight. We can certainly have an effective emergency word with the Lord when it’s needed. But if we want our communication with our Heavenly Father to grow, then we need more time with Him in conversation. After all, we spent hours talking with our spouse or significant other when we wanted to get to know them better. How about the seven ministries that are trying to be upheld by one person… too big. Time to size down and put more focus on the one or two or maybe three ministries that is a real passion or calling.

Now let’s see about that diet plan. There may have been a menu of Facebook for breakfast, News stories for lunch and a full on drama feast for dinner. How about switching up the menu a little and consuming scripture for breakfast, prayer for lunch, a snack of positive news stories and Facebook posts with a side of an uplifting post of your own, and a feast of verses, prayers, and recognizing answered prayers for dinner. Then getting a good night sleep with a full spirit.

So let’s adjust that exercise routine… instead of lifting the weight of stress, change those weights out for feather weights after giving your stresses to Jesus. He has said His burden is light. Instead of running after those goals that may not be beneficial, slow down to a steady pace of keeping up with Jesus and His speed of reaching a goal that is specifically designed for you.

Ephesians 4:23 – 24 “and, to be renewed in the spirit of your minds and to put on the new self-created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (ESV)

You see, the concept of out with the old doesn’t only have to mean physical objects. Refreshing our spiritual life is most beneficial at the turn of the year or any time we need to reevaluate our spiritual journey. That’s the beauty of it all… there is no magical spell that happens only on January first. God allows us to start new EVERY… SINGLE… DAY!

So, what do ya say? Grab those proverbial garbage bags and let’s get on with “out with the old” and begin a new kind of resolution! Who’s with me?