New Beautiful Attitudes in 2020!
A New Year means new opportunities, a fresh start, and the ability to establish new attributes within your personality. The New Year offers a season to become—NEW.
With becoming new, there is often change involved. Change is hard for many, but not Jesus. Jesus is our constant. He is the same Jesus today as He was yesterday, and He will be the same Jesus tomorrow. (Hebrews 13:8)
In Hebrews 13, Paul writes about everyday life as a believer. Some Bible headings refer to this chapter as “Sacrifices Pleasing to God” (ESV) or “The Changeless Christ” (NASB).
Warren Wiersbe describes the chapter with these thoughts: “But in the Bible, there is no division between doctrine and duty, revelation and responsibility. The two always go together. The emphasis in this last section of the book is on living by faith.”
Do we try to separate doctrine and duty?
As you ponder that, refer back to the focus question. Revise your answer as needed. Remember, we are ALL a work in progress, and we are ALL a mess. Later we can compare our messy lists and give God the glory for what He has done and will do in our life. Amen?
Speaking of messes, I have an autoimmune disease that limits my food intake as well as my mobility. It absolutely STINKS! (I say that with many facial expressions.) Because of this aliment, my body reacts differently to food. In order to be the best me in this New Year, I will be sacrificing (putting off) many indulgences from my diet and “taking up” new ingredients as I progress through the physical and dietary changes. However, even before I begin, I know it will be difficult because often times, difficult equates to different. And we all know how well we do with “different”. To be different, talk different, and/or speak differently, it’s a daily battle.
Paul tells us in Galatians that we are to walk by the Spirit, resisting the desires of the flesh. Later, he talks about the benefits of that golden, delicious fruit.
It’s important that we recognize what ailments of our flesh are limiting our spiritual nutrition and mobility. We must “Be at it dude”!
Keeping that in mind, Let’s transition to my other favorite chapter in the Bible, Matthew 5, the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus began teaching His disciples about how to harvest fruit walking by the Spirit with The Beatitudes.
In contrast to Mount Sinai when God gave Moses The Ten Commandments consisting of a series of “Thou shalt nots”, Jesus, the Son of God, teaches atop of a mountain with a series of blessings.
“The message of Jesus is one of humility, charity, and brotherly love. He teaches transformation of the inner person. Jesus presents the Beatitudes in a positive sense, virtues in life which will ultimately lead to reward.”
Love, not duty becomes the motivation for the Christian.
By picking up The Beatitudes (heart change), you produce Fruit of the Spirit (character change).
I am guilty of trying my best to change my character (produce fruit) without addressing my heart attitude (Beatitudes). But I am thankful for the Holy Spirit’s sweet reminders to keep on keeping on.
We must keep on keeping on. We CANNOT QUIT!
As you strive to develop new attitudes in 2020, continuing the process of sanctification, spend some time in prayer asking God for strength and encouragement as you make heart changes that will produce character changes.
Live out your faith! Be intentional in 2020, walking by the Spirit, cultivating a blessed heart.
I’m so excited to see the harvest in 2020!
Heather
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Heather McVey, a speaker and accidental writer, has a passion for connecting the dots of God’s Word. Her mission is focused on teaching women how to unfold the scriptures within their own life, encouraging and equipping them to walk worthy of their calling. Learn more about her in Meet Heather.
Love this! Thank you so much for sharing your heart!
Natalie~ I appreciate you! Thank you 🙂