Don’t Start the New Year with Insanity

Kirk Cameron recently shared "Happy Insanity" by author Jay Younts. He begins by referencing that famous definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

Every January 1st, most of the world celebrates insanity. Times Square is filled with people who watch a crystal ball descend as midnight approaches. Millions more watch on television. When the ball ends its journey a massive celebration erupts. People are excited about the promise of a new calendar year. They hope the disappointments of the previous year will be replaced by better times in the new year.

But the jubilant celebrations often fade into dismal hangovers, just like last year and the year before that, doing the same thing over and over again. People believe they can make things better by their own effort and will. What promised to be new has become old again… People believe they can make things better by their own effort and will.

Younts goes on to point out that, while a new year begins, apart from knowing Messiah an old heart remains. As one of my family members so colorfully put it:
"Ain’t no New Year’s resolution gonna fix that!"

Want to get out of debt? You need Messiah.

Want to stop smoking? You need Messiah.

Want to be a better father, mother, son, daughter, husband, wife, student, employee, employer, leader, man, woman…whatever?

You.
Need.
Messiah.

Only Messiah can take what is old, corrupt, and deceitful and make it new.  And I mean really new.

This isn’t about some way to have "your best life now". This is about genuine change, meaningful change, and lasting change.

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24)

That is the work of Messiah in you.

Next month we’ll look at the promise that G-d causes all things to work together for good.

Shabbat shalom!

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