“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4 ESV (emphasis mine)
“The beginning is always today.” Mary Shelley
Are you thinking about goals, resolutions and accomplishments you will make in 2024? Losing weight, stopping drinking, starting an exercise program, or many other promises we make and break? I’ve participated in the New Year’s resolutions and with gusto to crushing disappointment. The funny thing is the promises I have made and kept did not happen with the New Year. My commitment to walking started in December with my new Christmas dog. My commitment to stop drinking happened in September during the pandemic. And I lapsed a few times in my zealous commitment. Perhaps the failures were practice, which gave me some self-knowledge and more resolve.
Newness of life has many starts and stops. Again, abundant grace is ours because of Jesus. We can start today. We can start again. We can practice new behaviors. There’s no shame in beginning again!Repeat: There’s no shame in beginning again. Shame is a lie the Accuser drills into us, the world shouts to us and even our closest friends and family may heap upon us—then we quit. It’s still and always will be a lie.
Self-loathing is a lie! When you fall, and you will when starting any worthwhile goal, remove self-loathing from your vocabulary, especially inside your mind. It will only lead to discouragement, depression, shame, or a “what the heck” attitude, and then the cycle continues.
The beginning is always today. This moment. This hour. Grace is ours. The Father does not lie: We have newness of life. We have it forever.
Musings
Sometimes we need a partner who is ready to take on a challenge with us. We then have accountability, maybe a laugh or two, and a prayer partner. A caring partner will help us remove self-loathing from our speech, minds and hearts. We will then have a more loving relationship with ourselves and another with a difficult goal accomplished. Today is truly all we have.
Prayer
Dear Father,
How marvelous to have the newness of life available every moment! Help us to start or start again with more resolve, information and thanks. Help our vision to be one of success and not self-loathing. We are so loved and self-loathing has no part in it. You are the invisible partner in our worthy transformation.
Through Your Son,
Amen.
Prayers and Musings of a Black Sheep 