At the start of a new year, many people create resolutions in hopes to better themselves and the world around them. This year, there was a new trend with a similar approach. Some people made lists of trends that would be in and out of style in 2024. Others came up with lists of things that they wanted to incorporate in the new year as well as things that they wanted to live the new year without. I made a list of some universal “ins and outs” that we should implement into how we live out 2024 as followers of Christ.
Ins for 2024:
- Love first. If there is one thing I’ve learned this year from reading the New Testament, it’s that Jesus’ first action in everything was to love. John 8:1-11 details a woman being publicly accused of adultery by the Pharisees, which was punishable by stoning under the Mosaic law. When Jesus was asked what should be done to her, he told the crowd that anyone who does not sin can throw the first stone at her. No one reached for a stone. Why? Because they had all sinned. Jesus had so much love and compassion for the woman that he defended her that day in the temple. However, he did not affirm her sin. In fact, he told her later on to “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11). Jesus Himself, in all His holiness and perfection, decided to act in love and compassion towards the woman first and foremost. It’s a well-known fact that many Christians repel people from following Jesus because they often model judgmental and hypocritical behavior. It’s a natural response to want to throw stones at others for their sin, but instead, we should recognize that we have also fallen short and should model the love that Jesus shows to all. Just imagine how many people would be open to the idea of developing a relationship with Jesus Christ if the church stepped up and showed them love and compassion instead of condemnation.
- Daily Bible Reading. If you’re anything like me, sometimes it can be hard to get yourself to sit down and relax long enough to have meaningful “quiet time”. God often takes the back seat in our lives since our personal commitments, activities, and relationships tend to demand all of our time and attention. While it can be difficult, we must make time for God in our day. God is our firm foundation, and if we are building a house (our lives) on anything other than Him, the house will fall (Matthew 7:24-27). After a long day of school and work, the last thing I want to do is read anything. One thing that I started doing is listening to an audiobook on The Bible App. Instead of having to sit down and read the Bible yourself, you can listen to it read out loud to you. This is really helpful for me because I can still complete tasks on my to-do list while I listen to the Word. Last week, I put my headphones on and listened to the the book of James while I was folding laundry. That works for me, but maybe you would benefit from another alternative. I know people that write down chapters that they intend to read each day so that they can hold themselves accountable. Statistically speaking, you are 42% more likely to achieve something if you write it down (Dr. Gail Matthews), so you may find it helpful to write out a “reading schedule” for yourself each week. There are many ways to make the Bible a priority in your day, you just have to find what works best for you.
- Trusting in the Lord. Life can be wild. Plans change, people change, circumstances change. But do you know what will never change? The Lord’s faithfulness! No matter how awful the things around us appear, HE IS GOOD. Sometimes He leads us in ways that we don’t initially understand, but we must trust in Him. His plans far surpass our own, so let us intentionally practice trusting each and every step He guides us to take. Imagine how far He could take you this year if you surrendered control and gave Him the reigns to fulfill the wonderful works He has planned for you (Jeremiah 29:11).
Outs for 2024:
- Distractions. This world is crazy. There are so many things in our lives that demand our attention and leave us feeling unfulfilled and restless. Let’s make an effort in 2024 to start eliminating these distractions. Anything in your life that takes priority over the Lord is an idol. Idols take on various forms and often seem pretty harmless: money, social media, sports, hobbies, relationships, academics, work, or (fill in the blank). In a world full of distractions, we have to make the conscious choice to prioritize the things that really matter. Our time on this earth is fleeting—it’s momentary. If you’re not careful, you’re likely to fall prey to the world’s distractions and waste your precious life giving attention to things that have no eternal benefit. What takes your time, energy, and attention? Does it take God’s place? Let’s take the time early on in 2024 to reevaluate our heart posture and decide what we can do to align our lives closer to Christ.
- Fear. I’ve been told that I’m a worrier. I tend to instinctually recognize what can go wrong in any given situation. In some ways, this is a strength, but in others, it causes me to be fearful when I shouldn’t. Living in fear is crippling. I’m such a perfectionist that I often avoid trying new things when I sense even the slightest possibility of failure. This year, I’m vowing to release that fear onto the Lord and receive the confidence and boldness that He’s been trying to instill in me all my life. What are you afraid of? How do you intend to overcome that fear this year? What, if anything, is keeping you from making the first step towards letting go? Jesus is calling us into His perfect peace; we just have to willingly enter in.
- Bitterness. This is a difficult “out” for me this year. When people and circumstances hurt you, the natural response is to cling to resentment. It’s hard to forgive those that hurt you, especially when there is no apology or remorse. Jesus is the perfect model of what to do when tempted with bitterness. Jesus has so many reasons to be bitter. He carried the weight of sin He didn’t commit, was persecuted by people who never knew Him, was betrayed by people he considered friends, and the list goes on and on. He decided to choose forgiveness, and we are all gifted with the gracious opportunity to live eternally with Him because of it. Forgiveness can be just as painful as an offense, but it’s truly the most freeing act of love there is. I have found that there are two facts that are extremely humbling and motivating when experiencing bitterness. Firstly, the person that hurt you is also fiercely loved by Jesus, no matter who they are and what they’ve done. Secondly, you too are desperately in need of forgiveness, and withholding forgiveness towards another would be disregarding a command from our Savior. Bitterness will never benefit you; in fact, it will only negate your growth. Forgiveness, while a big feat, is always the best choice.
I pray that 2024 is a year of abundant growth for you as a follower of Christ. Each and every moment of this year is an opportunity for you to grow closer to Him—value every opportunity, as it is a gift from God. Blessings!
WALK ALONGSIDE ME 