Have you noticed almost every commercial on TV lately is for weight loss, gym membership, or a stop smoking product? I hope you know it's all because America sees a new year as a time for change.
Certainly there is nothing wrong with turning over a new leaf or resolutions. Yet too often these are empty promises that last just a few weeks.
When Jesus met a woman at a well in Samaria, she had a bit of a sordid life. She had been married five times and was currently living with a guy outside of marriage. In that culture that could have been a death sentence. Yet as Jesus spoke to her he did not condemn her for her "life choices" but empowered her with purpose.
When she was confused about religion she talked about the rift between the Samaritans and the Jews. Jesus spoke to her and settled the matter.
In John 4:23-24, Jesus said, "A time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in spirit and in truth."
When that woman was like our culture, thinking a change might be good but her changes never seem to stick, Jesus gave her the key to a right relationship with God. It is from that relationship that life has purpose. Three things Jesus spoke to her:
1. Now is the time to worship God. Tomorrow is not a good day to seek God, now is the acceptable time.
2. God is looking for worshippers. "God is seeking true worshippers." The Bible teaches that humans are created for "God's pleasure," he desires that our lives would be lived in obedience and worship.
3. True worship is from the spirit not by outward changes. When we think changes will fulfill a void, most do not address what is really missing. What is missing is a connection with God - worship - is not outward activities; be that church attendance or partaking in sacraments. Worship is from the heart with a lifestyle that honors God. That is what creates real life changes.
Romans 12:1-2, "Therefore ... in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. 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..."
Do you want to make changes? Do you want to know God's will? Start with the change that gives direction and power. Keeping God's mercy in mind, give him your life, your weakness and sin. That begins by trusting Christ, and taking God's word to heart.
As we begin a new year, maybe you've made some resolutions and that's great. But real changes are for life and are empowered by your relationship with Jesus the savior.
Pastor Rich Lammay of High Sierra Fellowship is a member of the Carson Valley Ministers' Association.
