Well, we did folks! We made it to a new year. It is insane that we are living in 2025. With a new year comes the ole fashion “New Year resolutions!” We say things like “I am going to quit smoking” or, “I’m finally going to start weight watchers.” Most people are motivated to start the year off strong with a commitment to something, and others, unfortunately, are so unmotivated by previously broken resolutions that they do not even bother to try again.
When we think about our walk with God, a similar mindset is often present.
“This is the year I will quit sinning in _______”
“This is the year I will be more patient and kind”
For many Christians, a new year can bring a range of emotions from encouragement to grow closer to God, or guilt from habitual sin and failure. Loved ones, may I remind us of what God has to say about this? 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us,
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
In other words, if you believe in Jesus and have been washed in the blood, then your identity isn’t determined by your obedience or disobedience, it’s determined by whether or not you have JESUS!
If I have Jesus, then…
- my failures don’t define me
- I can’t “out sin” God’s grace
- my identity isn’t who I used to be
- my identity IS found in who Christ says I am
Consider also Romans 8:1,
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Loved ones, don’t miss this: If you’re a new creation in Christ, NOTHING. NADA. ZIP. Changes that! And, if you are a new creation, then there is no condemnation for you to stand in. This is what makes God’s love unconditional, His grace amazing, and His mercy unending. So, as you start 2025…where will you choose to find your identity? In the dead person you used to be, or in who Jesus Christ declares you to be?
You are loved!
Pastor Ethan