New Year’s Resolutions–yearly promises to improve, usually forgotten by February–could this secular tradition to build our spiritual lives? At Trinity, we can, using our four Advent themes as a way to emphasize the Christian difference in our lives.
How might these four enhance your 2017 journey around the sun? Consider the possibilities:
Four Spiritual Steps for 2017
HOPE: We begin here, where we see our need for God. Hope actually requires two steps. First, we decide that the world as we see it, and life as we live it need help. This recognition has many dimensions, all meaning disappointment. We live bombarded with false promises, whether they come from political leaders, commercials or romantic love songs. These cannot answer all our needs, fill all our holes or make up for the past. This step is easy: part two is what shines the light.
HOPE, part 2: Cynicism responds to disappointment; so does faith. Hope does not mean having all the answers–doubt is part of the journey. In hope we live the Good News. Life matters. Eternally. We live in faith, that following Christ will answer what the world cannot. Volunteering, learning more about a cause, prayer, making a stand–all these and more might be our hopeful acts. Christians know that God’s plan gives us reason to go forward and make a positive difference.
REPENTANCE: Most Christian journeys start here, and we could, as long as we don’t stop here. Repentance means that we turn, from the way we have done things–selfishly, hopelessly, even automatically. We discover something new about ourselves and God’s plan, making change essential. Repent. Move forward in faith. Gain insight. Repeat.
PEACE: These last two steps demonstrate hope. Peace gives options, something our world cannot. Those peaceful options might involve listening for understanding, slowing down, new perspective, and prayer–always! Peaceful options do not include pushing each other’s buttons, following the usual script of revenge, or assuming that the other side has nothing worth hearing. Rarely do we know peace, not because it is impossible, but because we don’t want it badly enough to pay the price of letting go of our own righteousness or control.
JOY: What might we give up to know joy? Complaining on Facebook? Assuming the worst? Joy doesn’t mean we close our eyes to the pain of the world; but pain doesn’t get the last word on life. In an act of rebellion and defiance against all the voices that tell us of the pointlessness and uselessness of our lives, we choose joy. Life is a gift, not 
a burden–that’s faith!
Your turn:
How can these–or at least one–be part of 2017 for you? Here’s a resolution to make! Imagine seeing the world differently, picking different habits, priorities or attitudes that make faith your default mode. Resolve for faith in 2017!