As most people know, the planet Earth made a complete circle around the Sun again as of January 1st and it is now 2020. We know from science that the Earth travels about 1.6 million miles a day, or 66,627 mph in order for this to happen in 365 days. If you think Earth or your life is not moving forward you are greatly mistaken. The question is not will your life move forward, but how will your life move forward? At the beginning of a new year we often think about the new life we desire. We hear people say things like “I’m excited to become the new me” or “I can’t wait to accomplish new goals.” However, we know from research that most people have already quit their “new goals” before the end of January. Why do we struggle so much with getting rid of the old us, and putting on the “new” us?

If you look in scripture you’ll find that the word new appears in the Bible 280 times in the N.I.V. There is no doubt that we serve a God that loves the word “new.” One of my favorite verses is found in 2 Corinthians 5:17 where the Apostle Pal writes, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the “new” creation has come: The old has gone, the “new” is here!” I love the word “new” that is used here. It is the Greek word “kainós” which means to be new in quality, fresh in development or opportunity, and not found exactly like this before. We must understand that even when we come to Christ and we are made new we are not “perfect” in our nature or behavior.

I believe that this passage is saying that when we come to Christ the old nature is put to death, and a new nature comes to life. The new “you” then begins the journey of sanctification. Now in case you’ve never heard the word “sanctification” it is about allowing our old, sinful ways to die rather than letting them hang around (Colossians 3:9-10). Being a new creation means desiring a relationship with God rather than gratifying selfish desires (Ephesians 4:22-24). Sanctified new creations fight against sin rather than giving in to it (1 John 3:3-4). However, we are now able to fight not out of our own power, but out of the power that comes from the Spirit of God dwelling in us as saved “born again” believers.

So you may ask, “Why is this so important?” The reason is, as we journey in life we will either develop as a new creation or we won’t. We can set all the goals in the world, but we have to do the work with help that is higher than our own will. Many people join a gym, but seldom or never use their gym membership benefits to change. Many people join a team, but never work to develop to make their ability better. Many people join a “church” but never work with the Spirit of God to develop their new nature. It seems today there is more of the “old” us around than the “new” us. Maybe this is why we often find ourselves the same as years past, or even revert back to the “old” us.

I heard a quote years ago that I believe is true by Frank Outlaw which said, “Watch your thoughts, they become words; watch your words, they become actions; watch your actions, they become habits; watch your habits, they become character; watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” I believe more than ever we need to know that our thoughts either develop us as a “new” creation or reverse us to the “old” creation. We either develop the flesh or the spirit. We have two creatures living in us. One is good, and one is bad. The one we feed the most wins. So this year please know that a flip of the calendar does not take us anywhere, but just to another day of opportunity. We can only become new, and change though the power of God working in our lives. God wants to create a new you! The question is, “Will you let Him?” This Sunday we will unpack our “new” vision for 2020. Come early and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee and snack at Café Connect. We now offer two “new” worship times that begin at 8:30 & 10:45. We hope you’ll begin the New Year with us as we trust in the Lord to be a “new” creation! For more information please visit our new webiste at: www.southsidewch.com

In Christ,

Barry Pettit

Lead Pastor

South Side Church of Christ

www.southsidewch.com