Happy New Year!
“New year, new you.”
“New Year’s resolution.”
“Page 1 of a 365 page book.”
I would bet that we all have this feeling to some extent as we ring in 2026. We looked back on 2025 and mentally put it to bed as we anticipate 2026.
As we look at the new year from a secular perspective, we can agree with Lao Tzu when he said, “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” We have our list in our mind of all of the things that we are going to change for this year and we just need to move forward on them one step at a time. Just moving in that direction is a great start!
In the Bible, Paul also talks about “new you.” It has nothing to do with turning the page on the new year, but it is a good reminder for us in this season.
II Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Ephesians 4:23-24 “. . . to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self. . . .”
Colossians 3:9-10 “. . . since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image if its Creator.”
Romans 6:4 “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
This is so encouraging! If we are in Christ, we are no longer defined by our past mistakes, but we get a fresh start. Because we are empowered by the Holy Spirit, we can live a transformed life. Just like our New Year’s resolutions, we have a fresh start, but we have to move forward every day. Sanctification is a process of aligning our hearts, minds and actions with God’s will every day.
With this “newness,” we give God the opportunity to transform us into who we were created to be. As you know, Kanakuk’s foundation is Luke 2:52 which says, “and Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Jesus GREW in these areas! That is so encouraging for me as I acknowledge the process I am in—of how I am still GROWING every day.
Left foot. Right foot. Just move forward and don’t let the destination take away from the journey. Don’t let the destination discourage you from taking that first step if the destination feels too far out of reach.
A rock at a time.
A step at a time.
You’ve got this! Happy New Year!
