The Better You

Given January 5, 2019

Who wants to be a better you?
To improve yourself and the things you do?
Well, God the Father, wants that too.
So, let’s go to work on that better you.

I wrote an article for our church bulletin last week in which we took a different look at addictions in our lives and how we should prioritize our list of important things and be sure Jesus is at the top in the new year. This week’s article was an extension of that topic and focused on how we can improve our lives according to the plan of God; to become a “better you”. You can see that article, here: roadrevelations.org/2018/12/addiction.

Hopefully, as the new year has begun, we have all been doing some assessing and have found some things that do not belong in our lives as Christians or need to be moved way down the list. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33). I think this is a key verse for focusing. God has a plan for each of us that was devised before we were born, (see Jeremiah 1:5). God can look ahead and see this plan fulfilled, but it’s up to us to accept His plan and work to be who He sees us to be. Don’t be fooled by what others think or how you see yourself, “Be true to the view that God has of you.” – Bill Dotson.  And don’t allow yourself to be distracted from God’s plan. Check that list.

 A very wise friend of mine once taught a lesson called, “The Black Dog”, in which a pet began as a cute little puppy but grew into a big, mean, dangerous animal. He likened it to sin in our lives. Sin, if we allow it, will grow and take over our lives and put everything else aside. The phrase I remember from that teaching is this, “Don’t feed it and it will die.” That’s what we need to do to the things in our lives that threaten to take over, don’t feed them! “Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.” (James 1:14-15). “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” (Romans 13:14).

Are you ready for the better you? God is waiting.