Improving

Acts 20:24 “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

 

Everyone wants to improve. Just about everyone and every business sets yearly goals that they want to achieve, and at the end of the year look to see if they accomplished the goals. Many of those goals are to improve. The word “improve” is defined as: 1. To make better; to advance in value or good qualities. 2. To use or employ to good purpose; to make productive; to turn to profitable account. 3. To apply to practical purposes. 4. To advance or increase by use. The opposite of improving is wasting, Deteriorating, worsening or declining; none of which anyone desires in their life.

 

We rejoice in successfully meeting our annual goals and examine the unsuccessful endeavors to determine the factors that led to their shortcomings, so that adjusting amendments enrich and enhance the next attempt to reach those goals. New goals are set for the coming year and plans made how to make them. Many people set a person goal to identify an area of their life that is in need of development, expansion, or progress and establishing a conscious daily effort to improve in that area of their life and become a better person in the process. Many folks make “New Year’s Resolutions” to that affect to take an account of the honest effort and outcome.

 

This is true in our spiritual lives also. Lamentations 3:40-41 instructs us, “Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the Lord; Let us lift our hearts and hands to God in heaven.” We need to stop each year and take account of our personal relationship with God (Father, Son and Hold Spirit). How are we doing in our walk with the Lord and what steps can we take to improve it. The soul of the child of God must align their mind, will and emotions to the Lord and the Will of God for their life. The Psalmist writes in Psalm 119:59-60, “I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.”

 

With all the festivities of New Year’s holiday, may we use this holy day to resolve to improve our lives with spiritual growth for the glory of God and the advancement of the kingdom of Jesus Christ in our time and place and the improvement of this world.

 

Have a blessed New Year.

In Christ, Brian