New beginnings are always a great opportunity to reflect on the mistakes of the past in order not to repeat them in the future. Now we are on the brink of entering a brand new year and it is time to make some positive changes in our lives. I’m not talking about New Year’s resolutions that last until about mid January, even if you are half-way motivated. What I am speaking of is wholesome lifestyle changes that will bring you closer to the one who made you, loves you, and has work for you to do every day. It is why you are here on planet earth, that is, to bring God glory by living in a manner that is both pleasing to Him and productive in accomplishing His goals for you. The problem is that we need plenty of help, and we usually look for it in all the wrong places. The good news is that it is not too late, and not only that, but it is a great opportunity to begin again at the start of this brand new year.
I am reminded of the story in the Book of Acts of a young man named John Mark. It was the initiation of the career of the great apostle Paul, who had been commissioned to go on his first missionary trip. There was also a man, by the name of Barnabus, who was set apart to go with Paul. John Mark was chosen by Paul and Barnabus to accompany them on their journey. The Bible tells us that sometime after they had departed, not too long into the trip, John Mark left them and headed back home. The story resumes after Paul and Barnabus had returned home and some time had passed. When they were ready to embark on their second missionary journey, Barnabus wanted to take John Mark along with them again. Wait a minute. Stop! Did you catch that? Barnabus wanted to give John Mark another chance, a NEW BEGINNING! Even though he had been a presumable screw-up, let down, and disappointment; even though he had quit on them and gone back to the reliable, safe outlet; Barnabus wanted him to succeed! Well, Paul and Barnabus argued and parted ways. Paul went on his second missionary journey, and took Silas with him. Barnabus went on his second missionary journey, and took John Mark with him. At the end of Paul’s life he had become a John Mark fan, and even stated that John Mark was someone he could trust, and was useful to him, when others had abandoned him.
Here’s the point. You and I are guilty of doing many things that need improvement. We have left, so to speak, our Father’s side and His mission, or will, for us on this earth. Quite honestly, and too often, perhaps we have tried to clean up our act, on our own, only to go back very quickly to old ‘safe or reliable’ sinful habits. Well, there is no better time than on the start of this new year for us to begin a fresh and anew. God is our Barnabus, He is our encourager, and He is saying to us that we can do it! We can accomplish living the life that He wants for us for His glory, if we let Him lead and strengthen us. He has not given up on you yet! Know that, no matter how much you think that you have messed up, He still loves you! The question is, will you be encouraged, will you ask for and accept His forgiveness, and will you try anew to live for Him, and with Him in this New Year?
