What You Should Strive for in the New Year

“Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22 N.I.V)

The stage of life often determines one’s susceptibility to certain sins. According to Clarkes Commentary of the Bible,”carnal pleasures are the sins of youth; ambition and the love of power the sins of middle age; covetousness (materialism) and carking (worry) cares the crimes of old age. Paul therefore warned the young minister Timothy against the sins in which he was more vulnerable: youthful lusts, vain glory, popular applause and so on. To the older people, Ecclesiastes 11:10 exhorts,” So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.”

What are your weaknesses?  Strive for righteousness, faith, love and peace and call on the Lord continuously to help you each step of the way. Seek also to be with others who similarly seek righteousness. They will provide support and act as accountability partners.

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"Resolution One: I will live for God. Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will." Jonathan Edwards

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