Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image.
Instead, be transformed from the inside out by
renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to
discern what God wills and whatever God finds
good, pleasing, and complete. Romans 8:2 The Voice
But it is a fact that we have passed into a new year. Many have set or will set New Year's resolutions. I have never been one inclined to set such resolutions. I'm not even sure why. I suspect it has something to do with the fact that I hate (I mean HATE) to fail. Like so many people, when I set New Year's resolutions I make them so lofty that they are destined for failure. You'd think, perhaps, that I might learn to set more attainable goals. But even with that comes the possibility of failure and at the first sign that I might not live up to my own expectations for myself I tend to just quit rather than succumbing to deficiency. Pathetic, I realize, but a seemingly viable defense mechanism for me.
Resolutions don't work for me, but placing a new focus before myself has been much more successful. Several years ago someone introduced me to #oneword. It's very simple At the end of one year or beginning of the next I choose one single word to set before me. It can be anything. Whatever I choose is what I will spend much of my time focusing on in the coming year.
The first year I embarked on this #oneword adventure I chose the word "relate" after some contemplation and prayer. I was living in a location I'd been many years, trying to develop meaningful relationships. I'd demonstrated just about every conceivable act I could think of to improve and foster friendships. But I never seemed to gain much ground. So that year in every action and every thought, even, I placed "relate" before me. I discovered that there were plenty of things I'd been doing and thinking that likely had been putting distance between me and those around me. And God. That year I became a kinder, gentler Ruth. I had a deepening relationship with God. I became more thoughtful, more generous, more engaged. The word "relate" grew me in ways I hadn't even imagined.
I decided to try again the following year. It was another year of growing and learning and sharpening my dependence on God. In my mind this change of focus with #oneword became an indelible convention. The thing I like about #oneword is that it is a radial point, not a resolution. I'm not measuring anything. I'm training my mind. I'm confident in this because it's biblical. It fits very well with what Paul was telling the Roman believers when he wrote "be transformed by the renewal of your mind." (Romans 12:2)
Now when I choose #oneword I consider a word that is broad enough to give the Holy Spirit the room He needs to move me however He chooses. Often He moves in more than one direction as there are so many areas in my life that need His transformation. It's the process of being changed into His image, the image of Jesus Christ. I start with prayer, looking specifically at areas I'd like to grow in. Sometimes I get a green light; sometimes the uneasiness tells me to keep looking. Sometimes I'm brought back to what makes me uneasy because that is where God wants to work. If I am not careful in my listening or I follow what is merely my passion I wind up with a word that becomes only marginally useful in my transformation.
This year I feel as though God is leading me to the word "aware." It's definitely an area I need to enlarge. I get the very distinct impression that my older children find regular humor in my frequent unawareness. They readily make fun of my naivete. But honestly, that's not my motivation; rather, a conviction that being inattentive is hindering relationships with both God and others and is impeding my own personal growth. When I am aware I can hear God's voice clearly, empathize with others, see needs in others and myself. Awareness opens my heart to live more fully and prevents the world from molding me into its image. (Romans 12:2a) I'm excited to see what God does with this new focus in my life. I am sure to follow miscues from time to time, because I am woefully inadequate when I move in my own strength. But I am sure to grow. Of that I am certain.
How might God be calling you to change in 2018? Move, like me, in a new direction. Grow deeper in an "old" yet good direction. Let's make this year a year that brings God glory, a year that makes us more like Him. I'm certain He's going to do it!
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