Article

 Jared Spicer - January, 2025

Colossians 3:23-24 KJV - 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

When the New Year comes around, people try to do new things. It's a time that many spend to reflect on the previous year and try to make commitments on how to make themselves better for the new year. These are called “New Year’s Resolutions.” We’ve all heard of some by now. Some that we’ve probably heard are, “I’m going to lose this amount of weight”, or “this year, I’m going to read more,” or “I’m going to exercise more”, and so on. People enter the new year with a determination for improving themselves in one way or another. Whether it be to look better, work on mental health more, or even try to increase one’s knowledge. 

This New Year, however, can be a little different for you. While none of these things are wrong, there’s a deeper commitment that you have the opportunity to make this year. The New Year, as said by many, “brings new opportunities.” As the previous year comes to an end, there’s an opportunity for you to examine yourself and your commitment to Christ. 

What a time to examine: just coming out of Christmas! This was the time that we celebrated our Savior's birth. This was no ordinary birth, but it was one that would change everything. He showed us what love truly is. He showed us just how much He loves us by leaving a perfect place to come down here to Earth — His own creation — to dwell among men and humble Himself. So much so that He wasn’t even born in the typical home, but in a manger. He did this, just to be beaten, mocked, and crucified for all of us. He showed us just how much He loves us. It’s a humbling thought to think about what the King of Kings did for us.

While we could never repay Him for all that He did and sacrificed for us, there is one thing that we can offer. That one thing is our whole self: all that is within ourselves. You could never repay Him for what He’s done: nothing can. But, what He desires is your best. The Bible tells us that when we love, we are to love Him with all that is within us (Matt. 22:7). When we trust Him, we are to trust Him with all our heart (Prov. 3:5). When we pray, we are to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17). He is to be first in our lives (Ex. 20:3). There is a common theme here that shows us what the Lord deserves, and it is all you’ve got. While He won’t make you give, because He’s given you free will, He asks you: “Have you given your all to me?”

Now, I want you to really examine yourself. Examine this past year, and let God search your heart. Ask Him, “Lord, are you pleased with my efforts and my commitment from this past year? Did I do everything that I could have done for you? Did I pray earnestly at all times? Did I prove myself as a student of your Word?” All of these questions are ones that we must ask. In examining myself, I’ve fallen short. But, here's the good news: this is a year of new opportunities with the Lord! If you examine yourself and let the Lord search you throughout, you might find that you, too, have fallen short. However, you can start this new year off on the right track.

While we look at the past and learn from the past, we do not dwell and stay in the past. Learn from it, and move on. It is a New Year, and the ball is in your court. Your commitment and your dedication to the Lord is in your hands. Maybe you haven’t received salvation. Well, this is your lucky day: today is the day of Salvation! I encourage you to let this be the day where you give your whole self to the Lord; it will be the best decision you ever make. You see, the beautiful thing is that there is absolutely nothing you could do to earn His gift. Instead, His gift is offered freely to whosoever will. You may ask, “whosoever will what?” Just as the Word says: if you will deny yourself, and take up your cross, and follow Him (Mark 8:34). It’s not easy to follow Him, and He never said it would be. It comes down to one question: how much do you love Him? If you love Him, then you’ll be committed, and stay committed, to Him no matter what.

In this New Year, you must not settle for the level of commitment from this past year, but you must seek a deeper commitment to Him. If you love Him, you will seek Him more, study His Word more, and pray for open doors; you will offer yourself a living sacrifice daily. Why? He is worthy. He is worthy of all that we have to offer. Not just because of what He has done, but because of who He is. So I ask you: what is He worth to you? Just how much do you love Him? Just how far are you willing to go for Him in this New Year?

Colossians 3:23-24 KJV - 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

So, in whatever you do, be committed to do it with your best as you are doing it unto the Lord. If you serve Him with all that is within you, as verse 24 says, there is the greatest reward given to man: the inheritance of Heaven. We can have hope that, if we do our best for Him, we have an inheritance above all others. He is worthy of all we can give!

So, just as the Word says earlier in our key passage:

Colossians 3:1-2 KJV - 1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

If you are Christ’s, don't let your circumstances affect your commitment. If you love Him, stay committed through it all. He is worthy of it all!

God Bless!