In six weeks many of us will be making New Year’s resolutions. As we look back on how we lived our lives in 2014, there will be plenty of regrets and a lot of resolve to do better. Every year when I look back, I wish I had used my words in a more gracious manner, that I had acted less selfishly towards others. You would think that one of these years I could actually manage to keep my resolutions. I want to change, but I never manage to as much as I want. Where can we find the power and motive to change?


The answer is both simple and profound. When we, by faith, grab hold of the salvation that Jesus has earned for us – the complete removal of our sin record and the imputation of His righteousness – we are overwhelmed with thanksgiving and gratitude. It is that gratitude that actually pushes aside (expels) our self-serving desires. God’s grace gives us a new affection, a new love, a desire to do good works and use our words well. Through the power of Christ’s love, we can face the new day and the new year.