New Year

So it’s New Year’s Day, the start of a new year and a brand new decade too (anyone know what we should call this decade btw?). Chances are you’ll have been out doing something to celebrate last night. Last year I saw in the new year on the green of one of the holes of one of Northern Ireland’s more prestigious golf courses (long story involving trying to walk to the beach to have a camp fire, but it taking too long, so taking a shortcut through the golf course, but still not making it to the beach in time for midnight…)
At the start of the New Year it is customary to make resolutions, and I don’t know if you are into all that or not, but there’s a great passage in Romans 12 that would be well worth adopting as a New year’s Resolution:
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” (Romans 12:9-16)
Let’s strive to make 2010 a year when together we really, radically, passionately live out our faith. Let’s aim to make 2010 a year of spiritual growth. And let’s say to God at the start of this New Year “Here I am, use me as You see fit for Your glory”.