A New Year Can Bring Renewal

Most people see the New Year holiday as a time to make resolutions and begin another year with a fresh start. As Christians, we know that we don’t have to wait until a new year to begin anew. God made a way for people to start over no matter what day of the year it is. By putting our faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, any day of the year can become a new beginning for anyone.

With this fresh start, Christians have a connection with God that motivates the choices we make in life. However, we don’t always follow God’s instruction and leading closely. So while Christians can renew their commitment to follow God any day of the year, a new year makes a convenient starting point to refresh your spiritual relationship.

When you wear faith-based clothing, it serves a personal reminder which reflects your connection to God and can help build your relationship with Him. So in this new year, consider making some new commitments to refresh your soul and renew your heart.

Making a Renewed Commitment

Romans 12:2 encourages Christians to not form themselves to the world but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. To “renew” means to make like new or restore to an ideal or intended state. While we can’t ever be perfect like God, we are to pattern ourselves after God. We are to make choices and decisions with a mind transformed to God’s ways.

This transformation was initiated when we put our faith in Jesus Christ. According to Titus 3:5, we were not saved because of anything we did or can do, but we were saved because of God’s mercy.

The renewal referred to in Romans 12:2 is a continual action. Although we are new creatures in Christ once we are saved, our transformation continues our entire lives. Our desire to follow God brings us into closer alignment with His character. Our walk with God is not perfect. There may be times in life where we drift away, and even though we can reconnect and renew our commitment to follow Him at any moment, the New Year holiday offers a special time to make those decisions and create a fresh start.

While others are making New Year’s resolutions to shed the pounds they put on over the holidays or to finally get that promotion, you can use this time to create spiritual resolutions that focus your mind and heart on God. Colossians 3:2 encourages Christians to think about what is truly valuable—godly things not earthly things, and Matthew 6:19 explains how spiritual gains can never be destroyed like earthly treasure.

Christians making this connection to the value of spiritual rewards understand how faith-based clothing can highlight their purpose and motivation. The good things you do give glory to God, and even your clothes can help other people recognize that connection available for them and continually remind you of your calling.

So in the new year, consider making these renewed commitments to strengthen your walk with the Lord:

• Read your Bible daily. 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that all scripture—every word—is given to us by God. The Bible is also referred to as “God’s Word” for a reason: It contains His words. If you want to know what God thinks, what God would recommend in your situation, or you need words of encouragement, the Bible has the answer. Reading your Bible offers a daily renewal for your soul and committing to reading it every day gives you the spiritual nourishment you need according to John 6:63. By reading your Bible, you discover more about who God is. No relationship can be built in a one-sided fashion, and God already knows everything about you. So reading His words every day helps you know more about Him and what He wants for life. This understanding leads to discernment when you need to make decisions and want to do so according to God's will.
• Pray consistently. Of course, you have other things in life to do like work, eat, and sleep, but God tells us to, “Pray without ceasing,” in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. That may seem like a tall order, but you can commit to practical ways of implementing this practice in your daily life. First, understanding what this means underscores how you should live it out. Praying constantly means being in constant communication with God. While bumper stickers and coffee mugs may proclaim “God is my co-pilot” a more accurate picture is that God is the captain of your ship. He is the utmost authority, the one you can trust to help you make the right decisions. When communication is consistent and open, you can have smooth sailing even in troubled waters, but if you cease to communicate, you operate in life without someone to steer you in the right direction. While prayer may be a norm before meals and before you read scripture, prayer that communicates means talking to God openly, asking for wisdom before you speak or act, and asking for direction when you read His word. So praying is quite similar to how you communicate with your close friends and family: You ask for advice, share joy, seek encouragement, and more. Sometimes you talk for a long time and sometimes it’s just to check in, but prayer is just communication with the purpose to create a stronger relationship with God.
• Study and Practice Biblical Principles. In addition to a daily time of reading God’s word, you should also study the Bible and look for opportunities to apply what you learn. 2 Timothy 2:15 explains that we are to study so that we can be diligent and work for the Lord. This doesn’t mean that we should give up our day jobs, but instead, we are to study God’s word to understand what He wants for our lives. If your focus is on pleasing God, you will desire time with your Bible to understand better how He wants you to live yours.

You can wear faith-based clothing to show others your connection to God, but God also desires that you live out that connection. Restoring your focus and strengthening your commitment to learn more about God and become closer to Him this year can help you show others the God you serve and offer glory to Him.