My Grown-Up New Year List
Have you ever made a grown-up Christmas list? One of those wish-lists since you started adulting of what you really need in life—what matters most.
A few weeks ago we discussed Christmas gifts we need most.
What if we made a grown-up list for the new year? A list where we reflect and make an intentional plan of action with the Lord.
Although I’ve never really been a resolutions kind of girl, it’s a good time for reflecting on the previous twelve months.
Because when we evaluate the last year, what happened, how we responded, and the lessons (takeaways) we learned from our circumstances, it’s helpful for our future.
Obviously, there are things we cannot control in the world or our world. But we control our mindset, heart focus, life vision/mission, and spiritual journey.
And if we’d rather our start-overs, second chances, and U-turns for a new year not ride in on the coattails of our previous year, then we reflect and put measures in place.
So I decided to make a grown-up new year list, along with the Lord, of three main areas.
(1.) Mindset: What if our best grown-up mindset is to desire the mind of Christ?
But how do we go about seeking the mind of Christ? The Bible tells us: set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:2); do not transform to the world, but transform by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2); and to take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
More biblical wisdom gives us further insight:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
What we think about, set our minds on, is of utmost importance. If affects every aspect of our life. Do we desire to have the mind of Christ?
What we think about, set our minds on, is of utmost importance. If affects every aspect of our life. Do we desire to have the mind of Christ? Share on XThese scriptures give us intentional steps to a grown-up mindset.
“‘For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16 (ESV)
(2.) Heart Focus: What if our best grown-up heart focus is the greatest commandment according to Jesus?
When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 (ESV)
So it’s about loving the Lord with all of our heart—all of who we are.
And more biblical insight tells us: the Lord looks at the heart, not outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7); we ask for a clean/pure heart (Psalm 51:10); storing God’s Word in our heart to keep from sin (Psalm 119:11); and guard our heart above all else (Proverbs 4:23).
When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 (ESV) Share on X(3.) Life/Spiritual Journey: What if our best grown-up life journey is letting God be God?
Often, sometimes without realizing it, we take the reins from God and make a mess of things in our life. When God is holding the reins, He reigns supreme in our lives. But when we are holding the reins, we become our own god, master of our own universe.
When God is holding the reins, He reigns supreme in our lives. But when we are holding the reins, we become our own god, master of our own universe. Share on XWhat will the new year hold if we simply let God do His job as God? And what if we let the Almighty reign over our decisions, circumstances, dreams, and life?
Most importantly, isn’t He the only One who perfectly fills the role as God? No other person or god meets the requirements like our heavenly Father. He’s the most qualified and the most trustworthy.
“God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.” Psalm 47:8 (ESV)
Happy New Year! May 2024 be directed by the Almighty in whom we place our ultimate trust and give our heart to completely!
Which point from my grown-up new year list speaks the most to you?
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These are tremendous thoughts to keep as we move forward with God in this life, Karen. We absolutely need to keep God front and center in our lives, allowing Him to do what He does best. He certainly doesn’t need our two-cents worth in order for Him to move and accomplish His will in our lives. We all need to surrender completely to Him (surrender is my word for the year!)
May God continue to bless Mike and you in the new year!
I saw that your word for the year is surrender on your blog. That is a great word to focus on in 2024. I pray to surrender all to Jesus. God bless!
The weapon of light is the word of God the double edged sword that must be spoken out loud every day over your life, your family, your home etc.. speak the word of God is the only truth in the whole cosmos, the enemy the devil fears and trembles when a child of God knows his rights and begins to walk in righteousness and light constantly. The Holy Scripture must be on your tongue always, the weapons with which we fight are not natural but spiritual, directed against demons and demonic leaders in heavenly places. We are called to proclaim the truth in a world that is deteriorating day by day. Choose to shine for God and not conform to this world of Satan but to renew your mind and allow the Holy Spirit to transform you into a new creation. The field of spiritual battle is your mind, thoughts are burning arrows that the enemy the devil sends every day seeking to obey him so that he can destroy you more easily, you must resist those thoughts that are lies and speak the word of God , the truth to counter attack those thoughts from the devil with the truth to stand after you have overcome everything. The Bible says you are more than conqueror and you are head and not tail, I choose to believe what God says about me not the devil his unreal lies. Acknowledge God in your life and He will bless and support you in the difficult moments of life. AMEN!
Lord, give us the desire and strength to set our minds on things above, to hide your Word in our hearts, to daily put on the full armor of God, to walk in the light as you are in the light, to take every thougt captive and make it obedient to Christ, to love you with all our heart, soul and mind, and to praise your holy name above all! In the name of Jesus, Amen!
Amen. I pray I always put God first. 🙂 Happy New Year!
Me too, Melissa. Happy New Year and God bless! May 2024 be directed by the Almighty in whom we place our ultimate trust and give our heart to completely!
May God always be first in my life. Happy New Year Karen.
Yvonne, I think when we keep the Lord first in everything, the rest falls into place a little easier. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 (ESV)
Amen Ms. Karen. If only we would get out of our own way and “let God be God!” Great wisdom here my friend. As I mature, decidedly much more “mature” (Well, older anyway) than both you and Mr. Mike, I’m learning that the best way for me to obtain the mind of Christ is to surrender my will for His. It isn’t always easy, but oh so rewarding. God’s blessing in the coming year ma’am.
I like how you said the mind of Christ is surrendering your will for His. I often pray to lay down my own agenda and pick up God’s will. Hallowed is His Name. God bless!
SO good. I loved what you said, “What will the new year hold if we simply let God do His job as God?” We often assume we must control things or be in the driver’s seat, but we must remember God is in control. We must get out of the way and let God reign! 🙂
Jessica, handing the reins over to God so He reigns supreme is not always easy for me. And I do a lousy job as my own god. God bless!
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Each one of these areas is important in our spiritual growth. I have no idea what the year ahead may hold, but I do know the One who holds each of my days and I can trust Him with every day. Most encouraging, Karen.
Yes, Joanne, so true. We can’t be certain about tomorrow, but we have an able and loving Savior and our certainty rests in Him. God bless!