On Being More Selfless…
It’s a new year people! I love a new year with new planners, goals and possibilities. The last couple of days I have seen resolutions scattered across Instagram and Facebook; nutrition goals and plans to “get more organized” or just plain “minimize.” I am a list maker and I am right there too, making new year plans.
One resolution I have seen posted several times lately is very curious to me. It may be worded several different ways…
“What if you simply devoted this year to loving yourself more?”
and
“2017 will be a selfish year. My time will be invested on me. On improving myself. I want to become a better person physically and mentally.”
Sounds good in theory and I think people who post these things mean well. However, the second quote actually comes from the Book of Prosperity promoted by the Unity Movement (you can read more about it here) It also promotes man as being a “god” and not really needing God. That ground is a slippery slope, my friend.
I want to be more SELFLESS in 2017. Less of me and more of God. I don’t know about you; but I can get “all up in my head” sometimes. I can mull over thoughts like stirring a thick soup. Each turn of the spoon can stir up memories of hurt, pain, regret or anger. The contents of the pot can get thick and putrid; a foul smelling and disgusting goop. With one hand on the spoon, I can stir that pot with determination.
Problem is you can’t do much with only one free hand. Have you ever tried? My daughters love the movie “Soul Surfer.” Bethany Hamilton lost her arm to a shark attack and had to relearn everything, including surfing, with one arm. (BTW, She has a great devotional book for teen girls–get it here) For weeks after seeing the movie, my girls went around our house with one arm tucked inside their shirts seeing how they would make a sandwich or brush their teeth. Two arms are definitely better.
Now is a good time to quit stirring, dump the pot and rinse it clean. Imagine what you can now do with two free hands. It is much easier to give a hug, help someone up or reach out to someone who is hurting.
I am all about “self-improvement” and being “the best version of ourselves.” But we need to look beyond ourselves to find a depth, joy and purpose to propel us passed a New Year’s resolution. Nothing in the Bible says you will be fulfilled by:
- Your mate
- Your friends
- Your career
- A perfect physique
- More travel
- More leisure time
- Learning a new skill
- Or a good mani/pedi (actually that may be in the scriptures, I am still looking)
The world may disappoint you, but God never will.
I know, it’s easy to stir the soup—remembering the times things didn’t go as you had hoped. (Cue the Frozen Soundtrack) Let it go!
Do you want to be renewed? Do you want to be restored? Do you want to be revived? Then go humbly to the one who created you–less of self and more of God. He alone will renew you.
“Do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16.
“He restores my soul.” Psalm 23:3. I just love the calming effect of those words, “He restores my soul.” When I am broken, when I am tired, when I am lost, when I am confused, when I am mistreated…He restores my soul.
What if you simply devoted this year to loving GOD more?
That love will spill over into every aspect of your life. Resolve to be renewed, restored and revived! Then stir up some brownie batter or cookie dough—something worth licking the spoon!
Keep Spurring, Nikki
***Note: I have posted my favorite Taco Soup recipe if you need another idea of something good to cook up on a cold winter’s evening!
