The New Year is always a time of reflection and setting of goals to be achieved in the coming days.  That is surely an admirable endeavor that can lead to a better work environment, improve family relationships, and greater satisfaction in one’s self image.  As with all positive decisions, there must be the correct perspective in regards to past failures.  There is a natural tendency in reflective thought to become obsessed with that which failed to the point of discouragement and even guilt.  Both of those traits are contrary to what Scripture teaches.  

For the individual who has placed their faith in Christ as their Savior, past wrongs, failures and sins committed can rob one’s peace and joy.  God, has provided a grace procedure by which every Christian can move out of the doldrums of the past and advance spiritually in their lives.  

The Apostle John wrote of God’s grace solution for moving forward in the Christian life.  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NIV).  That clears the deck spiritually.  To add anything to God’s remedy is just as wrong as proposing that one must do something for salvation other than to believe … “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Cor 15:3-5 NIV).  

Faith alone in Christ alone is the foundational Truth on which Christianity exists. It is inconceivable that an individual who has expressed faith in Christ then add, subtract, or in any way alter God’s plan of grace.  However, there is an aspect of addressing wrong toward others that must not be overlooked.  With the spiritual issue settled as per God’s instructions, it may be necessary to make amends to those offended by one’s actions.  Policies in business may have to be reversed or implemented to resolve issues.  In the realm of personal relationships, there must be the acknowledgement of wrong and forgiveness sought.  Efforts must be implemented to effect compromise and reestablish rapport and trust.  

While all the above decisions and efforts by a Christan are worthy of consideration in successfully achieving these goals, these cannot be accomplished apart from the spiritual factors having priority.  Human efforts, at their best, are flawed because of the nature of man.  Christians must rely on divine power working in and through them.  That is why the Apostle Paul recorded … “for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Phil 2:13 NIV).

That which God’s Spirit is able to accomplish in and through the lives of a Christian will be perfect and endure the tests that inevitably come.  All self-derived efforts, however noble at first, will not endure when adversities come.  

Divine wisdom demands knowledge of His Word, for that is what God uses to direct and guide our thinking so that it is compatible with His will.  The Apostle James wrote … “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind (James 1:5-6 NIV).  “Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:17-18 NIV).  Learning the Word of God must be the priority for this new year so that every believer can … “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-5 NIV).