OPINION: HARRY MARTINEZ: A new beginning

Jan. 10—The New Year is a time of celebration, hopeful wishes and for many, the redefining of goals and objectives in order to enjoy a better life. Good resolutions are often made with the best of intentions. No doubt many are soon broken, but thankfully others are kept.

It would behoove a Christian to take inventory of one's spiritual life and the direction in which it is headed. There will either be stagnation and regression or increased momentum for spiritual growth. While all believers can affirm that they have placed their faith in Christ, there appears to be a lack of commitment by some to advance toward spiritual maturity. Sadly, some individuals are content to be born again, but fail to consistently place themselves under the teaching of the Word of God. Nothing other than refusing to accept Christ as Savior is more detrimental spiritually than to ignore the mandate given by the Apostle Peter ... "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18a NIV).

In writing his second letter to believers, Peter urged Christians to demonstrate stability in their lives and develop the characteristics found in the humanity of Christ. This would be possible since ... "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires" (2 Peter 1:3-4 NIV).

The Apostle Paul stated similar words when writing to the churches in Ephesus. "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ" (Eph 1:3 NIV). Both apostles were reminding their fellow believers that total provision for their physical and spiritual life had already been provided by God in eternity past. Every Christian could become a participant in the divine objective to present and represent Christ in this world.

The resources for effectively living a life that is pleasing to God requires developing a new way of thinking, divine in its perspective, that differs from one's former way of life. Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome ... "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Rom 12:1-2 NIV).

A renewed mind comes from consistently learning and applying the Word of God in one's life. This is essential for spiritual stability and growth, in order for those who have placed their faith in Christ to be effective in the invisible spiritual warfare that is ongoing in the world.

The Apostle James in his practical discourse to fellow Christians wrote ... "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such 'wisdom' does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere" (James 3:13-17 NIV).

Knowing the disastrous woes Jerusalem would soon face, the writer to the Hebrews prayed ... "May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen" (Heb 13:20-21 NIV).

Harry Martinez, a resident of Albany, is a retired minister who served a nondenominational congregation in Florida. His weekly column appears in several South Georgia newspapers.