He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son….” Romans 8.28-29a

The person and character of Jesus of Nazareth provides the only and ultimate standard by which Christian men ought constantly measure themselves. Though in this life that bar will remain ever out of our grasp, still we follow the apostle’s advice to “forget what lies behind and to strain forward to what lies ahead…the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14) The coming year provides an opportunity to take seriously this inspired counsel.

What this means for all of us is that we must change, and therein lies the challenge. Many men think, “I don’t need to change. I don’t even want to change. I like me just fine.” The problem with that kind of thinking is that you really don’t have a choice. For those truly born again, the Lord never settles for status quo. He is going to accomplish that “good work he began in you” (see Philippians 1:6).

Let’s just admit our resistance to change even while we acknowledge its inevitability. Life is change, and the only constant is that glorious standard, Jesus Christ who is “the same yesterday, today, and forever.” He never changes because you can’t improve what is already perfect. You cannot complete what is already complete. You cannot purify what is already absolute purity.

So on the eve of another year, let’s determine to cooperate with the changes the Lord intends for us in 2024. That cooperation means at least three things:

1. A Life of Trust

None of us knows what the new year will bring. Therefore, we must trust the God who is sovereign, infinitely wise and perfectly good--remembering that he loves us and understanding that he may very well use adversity and pain to affect our growth in Christlikeness. There is great comfort in the sovereignty of God and knowing that he works all things together for our good (see Romans 8:28).

You can always tell if you’re trusting the Lord by how you react to trouble.

You can always tell if you’re trusting the Lord by how you react to trouble. Just as hot water brings out what’s in a tea bag, so trouble often reveals what’s in our hearts. Paul and Silas got thrown in jail and what’d they do? Finding themselves in hot water they sang praises to the Lord. The heart that is truly trusting in God will experience peace and joy amid the trials of life.

2. A Life of Truth

In Jesus’ high priestly prayer for us, he asked the Father to sanctify us, that is, change us by the word of truth (see John 17:17). Cooperating with the Holy Spirit in this process of change requires a knowledge of God’s Word. The change God desires in you is not merely following a moral code, replacing bad habits with good habits, or becoming a well-adjusted person. It’s becoming like Christ.

God wants to make you like Jesus. He wants this world to see His Son in and through you. That will never happen apart from renewing your mind by the Word of God. The Spirit works in us to conform us to Christ by changing the way we think. In 2024, will you commit yourself to the reading, studying and meditation of the Bible? A life of change is a life shaped by truth.

3. A Life of Humility

Somebody once said that the bigger a man’s head gets, the easier it is to fill his shoes. The greatest hindrance to becoming like Christ is our own pride. Men often fall into pride by embracing two lies: 1) I know what is best for me, and 2) I can make it happen. Self-confidence is always misplaced, and the first step toward Christlikeness is humility.

Humility is recognizing that you are completely and totally, at all times, dependent on God. You will note that humility is not one of the fruits of the Spirit. Rather, it is the soil in which all those other graces grow. Humbling yourself before God and admitting your dependency upon Him for everything is the starting point for change!

Gentlemen, God has great things in store for you in this coming year. Purpose in your heart that you will cooperate with the changes he desires in you. Make 2024 a great year by trusting him in whatever circumstance may come, renewing your mind by His truth, and totally depending on his strength and power to enable and sustain you.

I leave you with one of my favorite poems which seems fitting for us as we face an uncertain year.

Prayer Answered by Crosses—John Newton

I asked the Lord that I might grow in faith and love and every grace.

Might more of His salvation know and seek more earnestly His face.

‘Twas He who taught me thus to pray; and He, I trust, has answered prayer.

But it has been in such a way as almost drove me to despair.

I hoped that in some favored hour, at once He’d answer my request,

And by His love’s constraining power, subdue my sins and give me rest.

Instead of this He made me feel the hidden evils of my heart,

And let the angry powers of hell assault my soul in every part.

Yea more, with His own hand He seemed intent to aggravate my woe,

Crossed all the fair designs I schemed, blasted my gourds, and laid me low.

Lord, why is this? I trembling cried; will You pursue this worm to death?

This is the way, the Lord replied, I answer prayer for grace and faith.

These inward trials I now employ, from self and pride to set you free,

And break your schemes of earthly joy, that you may seek your all in Me.