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Articles
A New Year
The new year ahead will be like every other year that has ever been. It will repeat cycles that are centuries old. There will be the ageless round of days and seasons. There will be the births and deaths, joy and sorrow. There will be triumphs and defeats, honor and shame. Solomon wisely perceived this truth: “That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun” (Eccl 1:9).
Even so, the new year ahead will be unique, a solitary set of events that have never before taken place and that can never happen again. As long as the world lasts, there will never again be exactly the same combination of circumstances. Never again will we be able to see things from exactly the same viewpoint we enjoy this year. Doors will be open that have been shut and will never be opened again.
Because of the one-time opportunities the next twelve months will bring, the new year will be what we make of it. The Scriptures counsel us to “redeem the time” carefully (Eph 5:16). We may jest about “New Year’s resolutions,” but without resolve the new year will be less than it should be. We ought to rise early and work late (working at the right things, of course – TN), crafting the year’s moments into worthwhile achievements. The unique value of the coming year will be damaged if we fail to act energetically. This year is ours to do with as we will.
Even so, the true value of the new year consists in what God will make of it and not we. Ultimately, we are able to speak and act for good because of the graciousness of God. Honor for the new year’s accomplishments should be His. “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Pet 4:10-11).
A year is not much time, really. Before we are ready, it will be this time next year. When that time shall have come, what will be our memories of the year? Our wish, from our house to yours, is that you may put first things first all throughout this year; and that when it is done you may have grown, with God’s help, toward Him in many ways. May you walk with Him and live for Him!
