TEXT:

‘And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him’ (Romans 12:1 NLT).

While we can make changes at any time, the New Year gives us a golden opportunity to press the reset button, simply because so many people will be talking about doing the same thing. Some will write down their New Year resolutions and try their best to keep them. For others, it’s merely words, as they lack the will power to carry them out. Today’s Teaching highlights five actions that will help us to start and finish well in 2025.

1. Forgiveness

Some wrongly feel that because of the past, they can’t forgive or be forgiven. The Lord’s Prayer covers both aspects, ‘Forgive us as we forgive others’ (Matthew 6:12 GW). Whether we are praying while we are walking, standing, sitting or kneeling, the Bible says, ‘If you have anything against anyone, forgive’ (Mark 11:25). Don’t take unforgiveness into the New Year. We can forgive, regardless of whether the one who has hurt us is sorry or not. Forgiveness frees us to leave the matter in God’s hands. He can repay as He sees fit!

Keep a short account with God. If there’s something in the past that you need to repent of, do it quickly and let God’s forgiveness flood your heart.

2. Fellowship

Winter is always a testing time for church attendance. Cold, wet and dark days are a challenge to maintain fellowship instead of staying at home. Spiritual food is just as important as eating naturally. Also, we can determine our attitude before we go, so our attendance is an encouragement to all, not just the leaders. Perhaps you have stopped going to church. You may have reasons for staying away but none are valid if you are able to get there. Why not start the New Year back in church?

3. Fruit

Jesus taught His disciples to bear fruit, more fruit, much fruit and fruit that remains (See John Chapter 15).

• The Fruit of the Spirit – ‘But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control’ (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT)

No one can claim to excel in everything. On the contrary, just when we think we are mastering a certain characteristic, a new testing-time can show how little of that fruit we really have.

• Functioning in Service

In both parables of the talents and pounds, everyone was given something to use and multiply (See Matthew 25:14-30 & Luke 19:11-27). I don’t need to concern myself with what others are doing. The challenge is, am I doing that which will result in Jesus saying, “Well done”?

So many Christians stop serving. Some for valid reasons such as ill-health, old-age or family demands. Others became hurt, offended, misunderstood or indifferent and have dropped their baton in the race of life. If you can’t function in one church, find another so that the body of Christ does not lose your gifting.

• Fishing in Evangelism

I have set myself a goal to witness to more people about Jesus in 2025. Opportunities are not hard to come by, contrary to what many Christians think. The challenge is to take that opportunity when it arrives and experience the joy of sharing your faith. There’s nothing quite like doing that!

4. Finance

The media loves to talk negatively about the economy and how it affects the average person in the street. While it’s right to reign in spending when money is tight, don’t make the mistake of cutting back on your giving and honouring God with your finances.

It’s a lie of the devil to say you can’t afford to tithe (Give at least one tenth of your income). When God says, ‘Prove Me’ (Malachi 3:10), He means it and for those who dare to do just that, they will see the windows of heaven opened and God’s blessing poured out.

5. Faith – ‘We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other’ (2 Thessalonians 1:3).

When the Bible talks about having no faith, weak faith, little faith, increasing faith, and great faith, it is clear faith is so important to God. Without it, it’s impossible to please God (See Hebrews 11:6). With it, it’s possible to move mountains (See Mark 11:22-23).

We all have issues in life where our faith appears little or weak, but God can speak to us in such a way that little faith turns into great faith and weak faith becomes strong.

In this coming year, listen for God’s voice. He can speak to you through your daily reading or through other people. Faith will come to you if you are listening.

Five actions to take in 2025 that will result in you being blessed and being a blessing. Who, reading this teaching, will join me in this challenge?