the greenest grass around

We have all heard the saying, “New Year, new me” over and over again during this time of year. This year in particular, I have heard this multiple times on the radio advertisements.

Each time I hear this, I cannot help but think about the Bible verse in John 3 “He must become greater; I must become less.” But that is not what our society tells us. If we let the commersicled world dictate our New Year’s path, it will be all about us, our happiness, our goals, our beach bodies (which is less that 20 according to one ad). You hear nothing about your walk with God. It’s all about me, me, me.

To have more of Jesus in our lives and less of us, on a basic level, we have to love one another the way God loves us. John 15:12, Jesus said “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” He did not say love yourself the most then love others, no, “Love each other as I have loved you.” Putting others first is not my idea of a great New Years resolution but here God plainly states that he puts that as a top priority. Secondly, we have to forgive others as God has forgiven us.  In Luke 11:4 “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.  And lead us not into temptation.” This was the rendition of the Lord’s Prayer given to us by Luke. If this is how we are taught to pray, and forgiveness is stated, it is key for us.

Think of the parable in Matthew 18 when the master calls the servant and forgives his huge debt when he pleads with him. {That is God forgiving us for our transgressions.} Yet, the servant goes to others and demands what he is owed and without any compassion, throws the others in jail. The parable ends with the master finding out about his servants actions, throwing him in jail and states that each of us will be imprisoned if we do not forgive others. God expects us to show the same grace and mercy we have been showns. That is why He is the perfect example for us to follow.

Lastly, for God to become greater and us become less, we have to get into God’s word and pray. The more we literally fill ourselves up with Christ, the less room we will have for worldly things. Hebrews 4:12 states, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” God’s word never returns void. Praying and reading God’s word brings you closer to him.

I hope this New Year you and I will focus on becoming more and more like Jesus and less and less like the world.