Today I've been thinking about New Years Eve and what it shows about humanity.
I see posts and pictures and tweets and this holiday with social media really gives me a good idea of what we value as humans. Here's a brief non-exhaustive list.
Money
Relationships
Family
Promotions
Sex
Other's opinions
Looking good
Our own struggles
Now, of course family, friends, and love are good things to value- but I see another side of all of this. I always get this pervasive and penetrating vibe of discontentment radiating from people during New Years. Of course there's pieces of thankfulness people share as well, but under the surface I think there is much discontentment. Discontentment that comes from filling a life with things that won't fill you like Jesus will.
That is my first musing.
A second is that the wisest man in history reflected on all of these things that seemingly bring happiness. He called them meaningless. A chasing after the wind. That, my friends, is powerful. Stop and reflect on that for a while.
A third: Do you see the lists people make for the new year? A chance to start over, a fresh beginning, what they want in the new year, 10 things that are coming your way for the new year, what you wish you had this last year, what will happen in the following year? People put those things. Relationships, sex, money, power, promotions, raises, to be loved, have more followers, do things people will see and notice. Be loved by mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, family, - we all want acceptance and search for things that aren't Christ.
PAUL said- I have learned the secret of being content. Whether well fed or hungry, rich or poor, etc... He had learned the secret. He also said he considered everything to be gained by his high position in society before he met Christ to be trash. Trash- in comparison to knowing Jesus. He gave up all that status, money, power, friendship, popularity, "followers", good opinions of his peers, looking good, being thought well of, etc.. FOR KNOWING JESUS. And upon reflection, he found that worthwhile. Not only worthwhile, but in comparison his old life and all the things people seek and want in a new year, he considered TRASH. BASURA. WASTE. - something no one wants and throws away. That, as well, is powerful and worth reflecting on.
Another: the things people want are so empty. They don't bring lasting happiness. This saddens me. Especially the weight I see of money on people's minds. Money is a root of all sorts of evil. It can grow and become a thing you crave. A drug. People spend their whole lives chasing it. Instead of Jesus- who will bring them the happiness from being loved by him and serving him that our hearts were created for. Chasing after money, drugs, sex, and approval of others is a cause of so much pain and heartache. Depression, anxiety, poor self worth, and a lost identity. Jesus came to give us life and life to the fullest. He is the reason for any joy or love or anything worth while on this earth. I want to point that out so we don't lose sight of truth immediately after celebrating Jesus' birth with Christmas.
One more: Yes, you can change. Yes, change is good. A reset is needed often and yearly is a great time to re-evaluate goals, focus on what you really want in life, be thankful for what you've come through in the past year, and purpose to do better.
BUT: Don't EVER lose sight of who changes you. Honestly, we can't change ourselves. You can change your actions, but the only one who can change your heart is Jesus. You can lie to yourself, you can tamp things down or cover them up. You can change your perspective or start a new thing. You CANNOT change your heart. ONLY. JESUS. CAN. So, it stand to reason that we need to be close to him. To lean on him and long for him and yearn after him as we do that thing we are yearning after instead of him. Remember brothers and sisters who loves you. Remember who died for you. He longs for relationship with you. He DELIGHTS in you. Yes.
May your New Years be filled with HIM.
not an extra focus on yourself, your weight, your financial situation, how many friends/followers/family you have- but HIM.
Not chasing after people who can't give you what He can.
Not striving to provide enough for yourself or others when HE can.
Not trying to be better, because you can't. HE CAN.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
in light of his glory and grace.
(a hymn so fitting for this jumbled musing)
I see posts and pictures and tweets and this holiday with social media really gives me a good idea of what we value as humans. Here's a brief non-exhaustive list.
Money
Relationships
Family
Promotions
Sex
Other's opinions
Looking good
Our own struggles
Now, of course family, friends, and love are good things to value- but I see another side of all of this. I always get this pervasive and penetrating vibe of discontentment radiating from people during New Years. Of course there's pieces of thankfulness people share as well, but under the surface I think there is much discontentment. Discontentment that comes from filling a life with things that won't fill you like Jesus will.
That is my first musing.
A second is that the wisest man in history reflected on all of these things that seemingly bring happiness. He called them meaningless. A chasing after the wind. That, my friends, is powerful. Stop and reflect on that for a while.
A third: Do you see the lists people make for the new year? A chance to start over, a fresh beginning, what they want in the new year, 10 things that are coming your way for the new year, what you wish you had this last year, what will happen in the following year? People put those things. Relationships, sex, money, power, promotions, raises, to be loved, have more followers, do things people will see and notice. Be loved by mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, family, - we all want acceptance and search for things that aren't Christ.
PAUL said- I have learned the secret of being content. Whether well fed or hungry, rich or poor, etc... He had learned the secret. He also said he considered everything to be gained by his high position in society before he met Christ to be trash. Trash- in comparison to knowing Jesus. He gave up all that status, money, power, friendship, popularity, "followers", good opinions of his peers, looking good, being thought well of, etc.. FOR KNOWING JESUS. And upon reflection, he found that worthwhile. Not only worthwhile, but in comparison his old life and all the things people seek and want in a new year, he considered TRASH. BASURA. WASTE. - something no one wants and throws away. That, as well, is powerful and worth reflecting on.
Another: the things people want are so empty. They don't bring lasting happiness. This saddens me. Especially the weight I see of money on people's minds. Money is a root of all sorts of evil. It can grow and become a thing you crave. A drug. People spend their whole lives chasing it. Instead of Jesus- who will bring them the happiness from being loved by him and serving him that our hearts were created for. Chasing after money, drugs, sex, and approval of others is a cause of so much pain and heartache. Depression, anxiety, poor self worth, and a lost identity. Jesus came to give us life and life to the fullest. He is the reason for any joy or love or anything worth while on this earth. I want to point that out so we don't lose sight of truth immediately after celebrating Jesus' birth with Christmas.
One more: Yes, you can change. Yes, change is good. A reset is needed often and yearly is a great time to re-evaluate goals, focus on what you really want in life, be thankful for what you've come through in the past year, and purpose to do better.
BUT: Don't EVER lose sight of who changes you. Honestly, we can't change ourselves. You can change your actions, but the only one who can change your heart is Jesus. You can lie to yourself, you can tamp things down or cover them up. You can change your perspective or start a new thing. You CANNOT change your heart. ONLY. JESUS. CAN. So, it stand to reason that we need to be close to him. To lean on him and long for him and yearn after him as we do that thing we are yearning after instead of him. Remember brothers and sisters who loves you. Remember who died for you. He longs for relationship with you. He DELIGHTS in you. Yes.
May your New Years be filled with HIM.
not an extra focus on yourself, your weight, your financial situation, how many friends/followers/family you have- but HIM.
Not chasing after people who can't give you what He can.
Not striving to provide enough for yourself or others when HE can.
Not trying to be better, because you can't. HE CAN.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
in light of his glory and grace.
(a hymn so fitting for this jumbled musing)