1 Peter 2: 1-3
"Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, and like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word…”
That’s a pretty tall order to start the year. Taking out the trash of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander - and replacing them with God’s Word.
I looked up the garbage to know what to get rid of: Malice is the intention to do evil. Deceit is lying with words or actions. Hypocrisy is claiming to have morals to which you do not conform. Envy is feeling discontent because of someone else's position or possessions. Slander is lying and damaging a person's reputation.
That’s a lot to tackle …you may not have all of them but if you’re like me, you have most - and there are a couple of favorites. When I struggle with things on this list the common thread seems to be selfishness…and a lack of concern for others.
If this year is going to be any better than last year, I need to vomit those spiritual toxins out of my system and replace them with the pure milk of the Word of God…I need to consistently read the bible…you probably do to.
So, you can respond to this in one of three ways:
1. Disagree, in which case next year will look a lot like this year.
2. Agree, and think to yourself that you should change some things…in which case next year will look a lot like this year.
3. Or you can call a couple of friends and say “Let’s commit to read through the bible together a chapter a week. Let’s create a thread and every morning read a passage of scripture and text our thoughts to each other to encourage and hold each other accountable”.
…IF you do that. It will change next year…and it will change your life.
Few New Year’s resolutions really change anything …but this one will. Jesus said we live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God so let’s study what God says. The world will provide junk food for your soul daily. If you really want to change, you must intentionally consume the pure milk of the gospel which will provide what your soul needs to flourish.
“A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.”
― Charles Spurgeon
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