7 Resolutions for LifeSample

RESOLUTION # 1: A focused heart “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever." (1 John 2:15-17) Many times throughout the year, we say that we love God with all our hearts, but, in fact, our heart is far away from Him. How can we see that? We see this when our focus is on physical pleasure (food, drink, sex, gym, rest, praise from others . . .) or in the intense desire for everything we see (envy, greed, compulsive shopping, overspending . . .) or in the pride of our achievements and assets (using social media to show our wonderful body, the "good" we do, and the money we earn). Unfortunately our heart does not really love God, so we focus on what the world offers. We need to stop saying that we love God while our attitudes show the contrary. Coherence says thank you! This task is not easy and does not happen with the "click" of a button. It is a process in which God's power transforms us; it does not come from ourselves: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5). Contrary to what many believe, the change of sinful habits and spiritual growth does not happen when we, with our own strength, struggle to change; it is the result of being connected to God. What do you want for your life? A divided heart (God + what I want)? Or a focused heart (only God + His will)? Prayer: "Dear God, help me to depend on You daily, so that my mind and heart truly love You and demonstrate Your character in my actions, reactions, and achievements. In Jesus’ name, Amen."