Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2, NASB)
The New Year is a time for reflection, a time for change, if required. Actually, each day is a chance to do this. The New Year is a chance to review, refresh, reboot, and renew. Yet the Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Roman church, seems to say that this is an ongoing process, when he says, “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
I don’t know about you, but for me, I have to renew my mind each day. I pray that God would give me a new heart, one in which the Holy Spirit will be comfortable; a whole heart for God, like King David’s and King Josiah’s; and an undivided heart for Him. And why is it important to renew our minds? “So that [we] may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” It’s a process that doesn’t end.
My Bible study resolutions for 2023 are to read through the Bible once; to study the major prophets; and to study the New Testament letters of John, Peter, James, Jude, and the letter to the Hebrews. I’ll also write these essays as long as my eyes allow.
Happy New Year to you all. God rest ye merry!