Another New Year is upon us with promises to diet, exercise, quit smoking and a multitude of other hopes that most likely will result in either never having been tried or failing within a few weeks or a month at most.  Although these physical and mental challenges are noble and generally, worthwhile, I propose, in addition to hoped success in any personal commitment, that a spiritual effort be applied and set as a real goal.

 Our bodies are important, but any set goal  must have a spiritual root to it.  To seek out the Lord’s help in whatever slated plan will be essential to success and a sense of joy in the endeavor.  For example, if you want to exercise more, praying to God for motivation to begin and sustain it is important.  We don’t consult the Lord only when we want or need something.  We ask for His help and strength in all our efforts and goals.  I believe that when the Lord is turned to about our effort or goal and is placed at the heart of our challenge, a greater sense of accomplishment, deeper joy and sustaining results are the fruits.

 So, whatever your New Year’s resolution—put Christ at the center of it.  Put Christ in the center of this New Year and see what God will have in store for you.  May this New Year be a blessing upon you and yours.  With Christ at our side, how can the blessings not come.  Happy New Year!