As the New Year begins, Christians are encouraged to embrace it with confidence rooted in faith. By reflecting on A.W. Tozer's insights, the discussion emphasizes the importance of a strong spiritual foundation for facing upcoming challenges and opportunities. Recognizing one's identity in Christ is highlighted as key to achieving peace and assurance. Genuine productivity, it's argued, stems from this faith-driven mindset, allowing believers to pursue their goals while prioritizing inner tranquility over mere external success.
Christians can enter the New Year with confidence, relying on their faith in Christ to overcome challenges and embrace opportunities for growth.
The assurance of salvation and identity in Christ allows believers to pursue their goals joyfully, independent of their achievements or circumstances.
Deep dives
Christians Are Uniquely Prepared for the New Year
Christians approach the new year with a unique sense of preparation derived from their faith in Christ. This readiness stems from the belief that, unlike others who face life's challenges alone, Christians have established their relationship with Christ as a foundation for overcoming obstacles. A.W. Tozer emphasizes that the Christian can confidently face unknown challenges, having dealt with the core issues of life through faith in Jesus. This perspective encourages believers to lean into their faith, enabling them to view the new year as an opportunity for growth rather than fear, regardless of the challenges that lie ahead.
Confidence Through Victory and Faith
The confidence of Christians in the new year arises from the understanding that they are uniquely triumphant through their faith. As highlighted in 1 John 5:4, believers have already overcome the world, a realization that shapes their approach to new opportunities and potential challenges. Rather than placing their hopes solely on achieving specific goals, believers are encouraged to anchor their confidence in their relationship with God, who controls all aspects of their lives. This unwavering faith allows Christians to embrace the new year with a sense of peace, knowing that even in suffering, they are secure in Christ's victory.
The Joy and Security Found in Christ
Christians can approach the new year with joy and security, driven by the belief that their worth does not come from their achievements but from their relationship with Christ. This joy is rooted in the assurance of salvation and the peace that comes from knowing their identity in Him, allowing them to rejoice even amid challenges. Believers are reminded to focus on their spiritual growth and stewardship of resources as acts of worship, rather than sources of anxiety or self-worth. With this mindset, Christians can confidently pursue their goals and aspirations, knowing they are fundamentally secure in God's love and care.
It's a New Year. Maybe you're feeling excited, maybe you're nervous, or maybe you're so busy you don't have time to know how you're feeling. But if you are a Christian, you can approach the New Year—with all its goals and trials—with confidence.