I do not write that for effect. Okay, maybe I hope it will grab some attention, but I mean it – to hell with resolutions. Most resolutions are from hell … Attempts at self-improvement, attempts at self-help, attempts at "living your best life now." Perhaps you have enough willpower and self-discipline to carry forth for a while, but, eventually, you'll slip up. Eventually, you'll slow down. You'll fail. What then? Disappointment? Shame? Guilt? Hopelessness? All from the pit of hell. So to hell with resolutions – send them back to where they came from.
As we think about the New Year, 2023, we do not need resolutions; we need renovation.
In Romans 12:2, the Apostle Paul writes, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
The Greek word Paul uses for renewal is anakainósis. The word means to renovate; it speaks to a complete change for the better. The Holy Spirit didn't come for a remodel; He came for a renovation.
I recently renovated my hall bathroom. By "I," I mean the contractors I hired to renovate my bathroom. I'm terrible with a hammer. The first thing the contractors did was come in with hammers, rip out the old, and put in the new. That's precisely what Paul calls us to do. When Paul says, "renovate your mind," he means to rip out the old and put in the new. That's what renovation is.
Resolutions try to take old habits and behaviors and modify them, maybe even transform them. Resolutions seldom last, and when they do, it’s not always for the better. Renovation isn't modification, renovation is demolition. Renovation aims to rip out the old and replace it with something new.
The renovating work Paul calls us to is cooperative, but make no mistake, it is the Holy Spirit of God doing the heavy lifting, and He swings a big hammer. His hammer? It is the Word of God.
If you want renovation in 2023, start by saturating yourself in the Word of God. It’s the most powerful renovating tool in the universe. The Bible is our …
For true renovation, here are three things you can do to saturate yourself in God's Word:
Every day, spend time in God's Word. Start small, 10-15 minutes every day. The Bible is vast and deep, like an ocean. You'll make discoveries daily; tread water for a while before jumping off into the deep end.
Don't know where to start? Don't worry; most men don't. Start with the Gospel of John. Once you've finished John's Gospel and have a daily routine, use one of these Bible reading plans and take your time in God's Word to the next level:
Reading the Bible is like raking leaves; studying the Bible is like diving for pearls. You need to do both. Learning about genre, context, themes, and the continuity of Scripture will enhance your knowledge of God's Word. Here are three pro-tips that will help you study God's Word:
Saturation happens when the Word of God is stored deep in your heart. Scripture memorization is one of the best things a follower of Christ can do. Don't believe me? Listen to these great men of God:
Dallas Willard, professor of Philosophy at the University of Southern California, wrote, "Bible memorization is absolutely fundamental to spiritual formation. If I had to choose between all the disciplines of the spiritual life, I would choose Bible memorization, because it is a fundamental way of filling our minds with what it needs. This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth. That's where you need it! How does it get in your mouth? Memorization." ("Spiritual Formation in Christ for the Whole Life and Whole Person" in Vocatio, Vol. 12, No. 2, Spring, 2001, Pg. 7.)
Chuck Swindoll wrote, "I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture … No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified." (Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, Pg. 61.)
Men, we can do a lot of things in 2023, but let us prioritize this one thing, let us be men of the Word. Do the hard work of renovation and leave the resolutions to the half hearted. The God who created the heavens and earth wrote you a book … Read it, study it, memorize it, and let the renovation begin.
-Harp
Want to learn more about how to courageously follow God’s Word? The BetterMan group study elaborates on that and the other core aspects of biblical manhood. Launch your BetterMan group .