DEVOTION

If you’re on social media, chances are your newsfeed was recently bombarded with talk about goals, resolutions, and starting the new decade off right. “New Year, New You” is a line I’ve read too many times to count.

Maybe you can relate. If you’ve taken a few trips around the sun, you know that each new year seems to come with a fervor to do better and try harder. You’re encouraged to create a better life and a better you, and it’s easy for us to get caught up in the excitement of it all.

Before you think I’ve jumped off of the deep end, don’t misunderstand me; I’m not opposed to setting goals. I’m all for keeping the masterpiece God created in pristine shape. Eat kale, go for walks, read books, get more sleep–whatever helps your end game, do it!

But what I’d really like to take a look at is your end game. Why are we setting the goals we are? Is it just to make us “better”? Do we really think we can out-create the God of the universe?

The beginning of Ephesians 2 states we were once dead because of our disobedience, following the passionate desires of our sinful nature. Can I challenge you to take a look at your goals for 2020? Are you chasing your own passionate desires or God’s perfect plan?

He created us with good works in mind. Have you prayerfully spent time considering the work God has already planned for you to do? What can you do to prepare yourself for those good things? Don’t get caught in the trap of striving to do more.

Because of his mercy and grace, we were saved when we believed. No amount of being better or doing good things will enhance the masterpiece he has already created in us. No matter how hard we try, we can’t take the credit. Only God can and I’m so grateful for that.

PRAYER

Lord,

Thank you for your mercy and for allowing us to be agents in your plan to reconcile humanity to you. I pray we would have eyes to see and ears to hear what you have planned for us. May we be willing to lay down our own desires for whatever it is you have called us to do.

Thank you for the gift of your son.

Amen.

Ashley Fuhr

Administrative Assistant to Adult Education

afuhr@crossings.church