“If we are to be new people in Christ, then we must show our newness to the world. If we are to follow Christ, it must be in the way we spend each day.” William Law
Happy New Year! I have a confession. I do not usually keep New Year’s resolutions. I asked myself why? If I have decided to change something that I want to change and it would be advantageous for me, why don’t I follow through? It always comes back to the problem of self control and discipline. I realized that I am not particularly disciplined and do not manage my time well.
When I read this quote by William Law, I realized that I am always planning to change things, but never actually changing them. I realized that I need to change what I do with each day. I need to spend each day just as I spend currency. I need to have a plan, a time budget, otherwise known as a schedule. I need to spend within my means. I need to tithe. I need to give with joy.
When I started thinking of my time as a commodity like wealth, I realized how much discipline I lacked in that area. I am reasonably conscientious with my finances, but not with my time. That is so backwards. I can always get more money or more things. My time is limited, and I can’t get more. It is my most precious commodity.
If I am going to reflect God’s glory and display the new life that I have been given, I must spend each day, even each moment wisely. I must practice discipline and self-control in this area. I have a plan.
My prayer for this year shall be,
“Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.”
My verse for this year will be,
“O satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness,
That we may sing for joy and be glad all our days” (Psalm 90:14)
Dear friends, I would ask for your prayer support as I attempt to use my time for God’s glory and honor. I pray that you will pray that I have the strength to discipline myself and budget my time wisely.
I made it through 2013. I was given a whole year. I do not know about 2014. So far I have been given 11 hours and fifteen minutes of a new year, a new start. My desire is to use my remaining time here on earth living as an example of the newness of life I have received from Christ. To spend each day in a way that honors our Lord.
If you have made a commitment or New Year’s resolution, please post it so I can pray for you.