New Year, Same God

Do we call ourselves a “Christian”? We know every Bible verse but does our life show we actually believe every verse we can recite? Have we been on mission trips and seen God work but the lessons don’t stick? Do we know the Christmas story, the books of the Bible in order, the names of the 12 disciples? Do we taken great notes on every sermon but we put no action to what we write down? Can we quote current Christian phrases like “faith over fear.” If I was asked if I’m a Christian, I would say ‘yes.’ If I was asked why do I believe in God, would I think it’s because it’s what I believe? Sometimes I think it’s because it’s what I learned. When did it or when does my faith become what I believe and not what I was taught. Too many of us are giving the “Christ” in Christian a not so good name. We claim His name but we just go through the motions of what a Christian does and believes. It has become routine, predictable, a place where I am complacent (self-satisfied). “These people honor me only with their words, for their hearts are so very distant from me.” Matt. 18:8 There’s more to knowing facts about Him and memorizing the motions. “What I want from you is steadfast love not simply dead sacrifices; I want you to know me intimately not simply give burnt offerings.” Hosea 6:6-7

We appear to know ABOUT God but do we really KNOW Him? Do we memorize words just because? Do we just go through “holy” motions of lifting our hands in worship? Do we do “good” deeds because serving is good? Do we start out the new year, every year, fresh because that’s what you do with a new year? We cannot represent Him while living a life of routine, predictable motions and complacency.

God is calling us, who don’t need more Bible facts and Christian rules to follow, but we need a deeper, heart over head, real relationship with God. This coming year we need to kneel more in His presence. “Come and kneel before this creator – God; come and bow before the mighty God, our majestic maker!” Psalm 95:6 We need to cry out in worship. “Cry out with all your hearts to Yahweh!” Joel 1:14b We need to empty ourselves of “us” and fill up with more of Him. “If you reach out to me, you will find me when you search for me with all your heart. ‘I will not disappoint you.’ declares Yahweh.” Jere. 29:13-14

I encourage you to not let this new year be halfhearted devotion and routine motions and self satisfying. When you’ve been a believer a long time, it’s easy to slip into that routine out of habit but let’s break those nasty habits. If we do not make God our priority and passion, those around us will see God as optional in our lives. God is not an option; He’s everything!

The end is coming, the darkness of this world is getting thicker and we cannot afford to be routine and complacent in our Christian walk with Him. What routine, comfortable thing have you and I allowed to have space in our lives but that space belongs to God? What better time to change that at the beginning of a new year? Step away from your mental, daily checklist for being a Christian. Your list should not be a must, a should, or an ought to list. Instead of looking at your list to see what you need to do today, try praying and asking God what He wants you to do today. Let Him interrupt your plans. Create time and space for God to speak to you. Don’t just hurry through your list of what you think you need to do for God. Give him a chance to talk to you. Wait for Him to answer. Don’t let God disappear into the background because you are consumed with your routine and motions. “And I will punish the men who are complacent, those who say in their hearts, ‘the Lord will not do good nor will he do ill.’” Zeph. 1:12 “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Eph. 5:15-16

Every minute of 2026 is going to go by. Tomorrow is January 1, 2026. You don’t ever get to live January 1, 2026 again. Every minute is not just another minute. That’s an easy mentality to slip into also. Not only is that the only 1-1-26 but His mercies are  NEW every morning and every single minute. Live it right the first time with intention to know Him more and better! It’s a new year but same God!