13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Taking the time to reflect on the past year in hopes of carving out a better future has the ability to halt you in your tracks. Coming face to face with the unpleasant gaps in your character and personality is not always a pretty picture.
So, why you might ask, did we encourage you to take inventory on where you’ve been and the person you currently are? Quite simply, it begins the process towards change by identifying your starting point.
Today we turn our attention to a different picture. This is a picture that propels you forward. Rather than attempting to avoid the person you were or stopping a negative behavior, we want you to begin painting a picture of the person you want to become.
This image must go deeper than outward appearances by focusing on the changes that need to take place deep inside your soul. How would you describe the person you want to be at the end of 2012? What are some characteristics that would define this person?
This project is not about quick-fixes or putting a band-aid on a bad behavior. It is intended to produce long-term results. We want you to have expectations that your one word will become embedded in your character and begin to flow out of you naturally.
For this to take place, it requires putting yourself in a position where God can transform you. People do not grow in the image of Christ by accident or osmosis. When you take the time and intention to focus on your word, change begins to seep into your character. What effect do you hope your word will have on your character? How will you have to posture yourself to make that change a reality?
God, may I start today by painting a different picture. May I leave the past in the past and direct my gaze to the person I am becoming by the help of the Holy Spirit. Allow me to trust the process of transformation even when it is difficult and challenging. Amen.
January 19, 2012 at 9:16 am
This i must do, “check my bags at the curb.” I try to mentaly say to myself, and pray…before i enter any store, coffee shop, ect…My line, or, prayer is…”God, please let me leave my attitude right here at this door, please allow the true fruits of the spirit to come out so i may best interact and love my neighbor as myself…”