The Immutable Christ

While a new year is on the horizon our God is still the same. And since our God is still the same, Jesus Christ is still the same.

 Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. 

This verse lends itself to the word immutable. The word has latin roots which simply means never changing. Throughout a year a Christian is certain to go through many different changes. Weather in status or just the normal weekly routine things change. God is still the same. 

So the dawn of a new year is usually a good point in one’s life to stop and reflect on the previous year. Taking inventory of what went right and what troubles came. Hopefully when we do so we can see where we need to adjust ourselves or where we need to leave certain things there, in the past. When looking back it’s important to remember that those things are already done and over with. No need to dwell on the mistakes or unnecessarily beat yourself up over something that didn’t go exactly the way you planned. No, this is a time to let those things go and reset. I made mistakes and now I need to learn from them. 

Also in looking back we should take note of the answered prayers or blessings we’ve seen. Undoubtedly there will be things to be thankful for. God still works in the believers’ lives all of the time. For me one thing I can think of that I’m extremely grateful for this past year is getting to preach. I’ve been wanting to do so for a couple of years and I got the chance to do so a couple months ago and will be doing so again this coming Sunday, so please pray for me in that. It is absolutely necessary to give thanks to God for all that he does in our lives. 

So after reflecting on the past year it’s time to make a plan of sorts for the upcoming year. This is the part I really need to work on. Resetting and or reprioritizing ones year takes effort and discipline. As a Christian one should be growing in their faith. What that looks like is different for every person. We all grow in our walk at a different pace so don’t let seeing someone else’s growth distract you from seeing the work God has done in your life. The fruit that is produced is evidence of your belief. The good works that you do are also proof of your faith. As James says:

 Jas 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

The good works that we do are a result of the faith we have in Christ. These good works don’t save us but let us know that our salvation is intact. Without good works our faith is dead. 

So as you are looking into the new year look through a biblical lens. Ask yourself what you can do to glorify God more. Surely there are many opportunities in your church to serve or bless others in the congregation. Look diligently for those opportunities and really commit yourself to serving others. Love just as Christ loved the Church. Give more than you receive and serve more than you did last year.