“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 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. (Romans 12:1, 2 KJV)”
With the New Year beginning, I got to thinking about resolutions and how many of us make them but they rarely make it through the first month. When many make resolutions, it involves a dramatic change to their lives; a change to habits or diet.
One thing that always seems to happen is a drastic effort to start the year, an effort to attack this new plan they have with zeal. Many lose sight of their goals early on due to the lack of instant results. They lose the zeal to fight for their goals when a small setback comes their way.
I want to encourage you to not give up on your goals; however, I want to also encourage you to take inventory and set spiritual goals as well. What are your plans to further the Kingdom of God in 2012?
Continue in Romans chapter 12, starting in verse 9 where we see the marks of a servant:
“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:9-21 KJV)”
Look over this list and look deep within your heart to see if you have goals for your Christian walk that coincide with these marks.
Get your fire burning in 2012. Fan the flames and let the Lord work through you to accomplish your goals and turn your heart over to the King of Kings.
What will you do for the Lord in 2012?
The Glory of it All 