Acceptance and Freedom

Do you have goals for next year? Most likely these include ways you want to improve or change. That’s fantastic! I believe that God gives us seasons and years for the purpose of looking back to assess and then plan for the future.

However, there is no significance in the changing of the clock or the calendar alone. Soul change and lasting improvement can only come through knowing Christ. Willpower can take you to a certain point, but two things that will aid your spiritual growth next year, and any year, are acceptance and freedom.

Acceptance means being comfortable with the way things are and not getting lost in the fantasy of how you wish they would be.

Years ago virtual reality games were something you saw occasionally at the arcade. Now, it is normal for someone to wear a VR headset anytime and anywhere.

I recently saw someone wearing one for several hours while waiting at the airport. They’re literally in one situation while pretending to be in another one. This is how people who lack acceptance live; ignoring reality while wishing for a different family, or financial state or wishing another person would change. Lack of acceptance usually leads to immaturity and bitterness. Instead, control what you can and accept the rest. This helps you be more realistic and responsible.

Freedom means escaping the spiritual bondage of bitterness, regret, or any negative mindset.

This bondage normally has roots in holding on to our mistakes or the ways people have hurt us. Sometimes we have conflict and we’re able to work through it with other people. Sometime that’s not possible. There are some people that I would like to work through conflict with, but I’m unable to for different reasons. In these situations, a good Christian counselor taught me that a helpful step toward freedom is to say to yourself, “this happened and it was not OK,” and then prayerfully give it over to Jesus. Call out the wrong and give it to God.

Focus your mind on living from God’s perspective (Colossians 3:1-4). Don’t let immaturity and negativity kill your focus on Christ. As you prepare for next year, say this prayer:

“Lord Jesus, I want to be closer to You. You know everything about me. Where am I being unrealistic? What or who do I need to accept and give over to you? Where am I in bondage? What pain am I clinging to in my heart? Heal me Jesus! Come into my brokenness and heal me with Your steadfast love. Amen”

Set goals for next year, but your highest goal should be knowing Christ more deeply.

Trust God. Seek Him. Be affirmed in Christ.