Daily Devotional

We are now 30 days into the new year, with just one more day to round out the first month. As I reflect on the start of this new year, I think about the numerous New Year's resolutions that are made—and often broken. Whether it's committing to better eating habits, establishing an exercise routine, or, in a spiritual context, dedicating ourselves to more regular prayer or perhaps tackling the popular "read through the Bible in a year" challenge, we all have goals. But how do we turn these goals—or "New Year's resolutions"—into lasting realities?
 
I believe Scripture is clear on how we ought to live: a disciplined life. To be a "disciple" of Christ, it is expected that we are "disciplined." However, if you read the verses preceding 1 Corinthians 9:27, you’ll see that we live “disciplined” not for worldly reasons, but for something far greater—the imperishable prize that comes from Christ. It’s important not to misconstrue the purpose of discipline, though. Discipline is not about achieving salvation but about pursuing sanctification.
 
Our desire to live a more "disciplined" life should be motivated by love—a desire to know God more deeply and steward well the life He has entrusted to us. God knows we won’t be perfectly disciplined. But, thankfully, we are not left to struggle on our own. God has given us the Holy Spirit as our helper, and He has also placed others in our lives to provide accountability.
 
So, my prayer for you in this new year is that you are encouraged to maintain your resolutions—not just as goals for self-improvement, but as opportunities to grow in discipline for the sake of your sanctification and, ultimately, for God's glory.

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.