The Most Important Commitment You Can Make This Year

It’s the start of a new year. Gyms will be packed. Fitness classes will overflow. Many partially completed projects will be dusted off to finish. All things seem possible because of the hope and potential a new year brings. Even in the uncertainty of the day-to-day, the promise of new beginnings triumphs over memories of past failures. 

The turn of a calendar year gives us a fresh perspective on life and renewed vigor for accomplishing our goals. The challenge is maintaining our new habits, commitments, and attempts at diets, fitness goals, professional achievements, or whatever you dream of accomplishing.

As we begin 2022, the most important, consequential commitment you can make is to grow in your relationship with our Heavenly Father. He not only made salvation available to us, but made it possible to know and walk with Him, through His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. He gave us His Word—the Bible—to protect, strengthen, and draw us closer to the Almighty God. 

Scripture offers some wise guidance on how can we grow in our relationship with God.

Prayer

James 5:16 teaches, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Prayer is a lifestyle, not a backup plan. Our power and effectiveness are found in his strength, not our own.

Scripture

In Matthew 4:4, Jesus quoted the Old Testament promise, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” A fresh commitment to reading, listening, and studying God’s Word is vital to growing deeper in our relationship with Christ. Dig in. A wealth of wisdom awaits you!

Community

Scripture is clear that believers in Jesus are to “encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:25). This happens best in person, face to face. Commit to more time in person with other believers in small group Bible studies and regular church service attendance. Community happens when we commit to it!

Service

In 1 John 3:18, we learn, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” One of our most powerful methods of spiritual growth is to show God’s love to others.

Whether through your local church or another community outreach ministry, many ways exist to impact others in practical, everyday ways. God will work in and through you to change your life as you serve others.

Let the beauty and wonder of your relationship with God and others inspire you to draw near to God this year.

Happy New Year from the Nebraska Family Alliance Team!