I hate New Year's resolutions. If one really intends to make a change in some area of one's life, why wait until January 1? Is there something special about the change in the calendar that inspires people into new directions or provides additional spiritual energy to accomplish their goals? I think not. At least 'giving something up' for Lent can help focus the mind on some spiritual task or perhaps broken or forgotten after a few days or weeks?
Nonetheless, the concept of making a new beginning or turning a new leaf is one of the core precepts of the Christian faith. The difference is that the life of faith calls us to make new beginnings constantly, to be constantly transformed by the renewing of our minds.
Christian fundamentalism demands that we be 'born again' once and once only. The new birth is occasioned by conforming to certain 'spirtual laws', i.e. believing that Jesus is the Son of God, confessing him as Lord, and so forth. The new birth is about believing the right things about God in order to obtain eternal salvation.
Assent to a creed may be useful in establishing the bounds of a shared spiritual life and vision, but is entirely bankrupt as a means to new birth and transformation. The fundamentalists have it entirely wrong on this point. Scriptural proof-texts notwithstanding, one cannot 'confess the Lord Jesus with your mouth' and suddenly be saved for all enternity. The spiritual life is a life lived in God from one day to the next. Spiritual transformation occurs within us (and within the world) as we draw near to God in our daily lives and thoughts, learning to 'put away childish things' (i.e. pointless arguments about who is closer to God or how many angels can dance on the head of a pin) and begin to bring forth the fruits of our faith.
Rather than subscribing to Rules of Belief then, the God-centered person is interested in cultivating a Rule of Life -- a discipline for faithful, healthy living. Such a Rule might include the following principles (and more):
- worship often
- pray constantly
- learn continuously
- serve joyfully
- live and give generously
Now there's a New Year's resolution worthy of considering!
Hat tip to ExploreFaith.org for a devotional by Lowell Grisham that provided inspiration for this thought.
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