New Year resolutions

by Kay Arthur

“Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead” – Philippians 3:12-13

Today is the day many are making resolutions for the New Year. Before making those resolutions it is important to look at where you are spiritually so that you can start off with a firm foundation from which to move forward. Often we are satisfied with our spiritual life because we compare ourselves with others, usually those who are not growing, rather than Jesus.

Be careful when self-evaluating where you are spiritually! It is possible to (1) make yourself better than you are or (2) worse than you are. The mature believer will honestly evaluate himself by asking the Lord to “show him any wicked way in him” and then deal with whatever He shows him, changing his walk accordingly. Paul still had to keep “pressing forward” in order to “lay hold of that for which Christ laid hold of him.”

Don’t start the New Year with a wrong understanding of your spiritual condition. Spend time with the Lord today to insure a good start for 2013!

*Kay Arthur, is an international Bible teacher, four-time ECPA Christian Book Award winning author, and co-CEO of Precept Ministries International.