With the New Year approaching, many traditions will take place to celebrate the upcoming year. Some will watch the Time Square Ball Drop in New York City. Others will watch the Rose Bowl. One of the most common practices that will take place will be New Year Resolutions. Every year people will establish goals they want to accomplish for the upcoming calendar year. Some people plan to lose weight. Others may want to read more. There could be a goal to develop a new hobby. There is a level of enthusiasm and energy to accomplish the goals. What can happen with many people is that same enthusiasm and energy that existed at the beginning of the year tappers off. Sometimes people may not see the results they want. They may lose interest. As a result, the resolutions become an afterthought. The same thing can happen to us as Christians. When we get baptized, there can be a certain level of enthusiasm. It is a new start for each of us. Do we sustain that same energy we had when we put on Christ in baptism?

As Christians, has there ever been anything that has affected our faith? Anything that has left us discouraged? It can be easy to get distracted in a world with so many temptations. It can be easy to lose focus and get off the right path. Paul in Romans 8 discusses the importance of our mindset. Romans 8:5 says, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.” Jesus, in Matthew 6, also emphasized the importance of where we need to set our sights. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

It is good to have goals. Since many will set goals, there will be an emphasis on accomplishing them. While this will be the mindset for many, let us not lose sight of what is relevant in our lives. Let us draw closer to God and become who we need to be for Him!