Scripture: Isaiah 43:18-19; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Philippians 3:12-14

Before we know it, the small thin threads of single actions are twisted into a rope of habit, and we are invariably “caught in the cords of his [our own] sin” (Proverbs 5:22). Let no one say in his heart, “I’ll only venture to evil, just this once and no further,” because it is a trap, a snare we set for ourselves to believe that it will be only once and no more. (read Galatians 6:7-8). Isaiah was right on the mark when he wrote under the Spirit’s inspiration, “Tomorrow will be as today, and much more abundant.”

Consider how important then, are the smallest acts when we realize just how much influence they have on our moral and spiritual character! Permanent and solid character is built up and strengthened out of the smallest trivial actions, and this is the aspect of our past days that we should give consideration to, when pushing forth into a new year.

However, we need to remember, and yes even meditate on the fact that we would be wholly and totally lost if it weren’t for the Savior’s pardoning mercy and renewing grace. The law of reaping what we have sown, or of continuing as we have begun, may be modified as far as our sins and failures are concerned and our tomorrows do no need to inherit today’s guilt, or habits. Our past may be completely blotted out and renewed through the mercy of God in Christ. No debt needs to be carried forward to another page of the book of our lives, for Christ has given Himself for us, and He speaks to us all, “Your sins have been forgiven” (see Ephesians 1:7). There is no evil habit that needs to have continued dominion over us, and we are not obliged to carry on the bad tradition of wrongdoing into a future day, for Christ lives, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

So then, with confidence and assurance in the promises of God we can now lift our thoughts to Him, who will bless our future as He has blessed and pardoned our past, and we can be assured that He will even enlarge within each of us the gifts of His love and the help of His right hand as He paid so dear a price to own each of us. Let us hope for our future selves the growth of our souls in all things lovely and of good report, and that we might prosper as our souls prosper in the daily advance in the love and likeness of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We can have confidence that as we grow in years, we will also grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, until the day comes when we shall exchange earth for heaven. That will be the greatest application of His word, when, finally giving up this mortal tent, we can calmly be sure that even though today we are on this side of creation, tomorrow we will be on the eternal side and there will be no break in the continuity of abundant life promised by our Lord, but only an infinite growth in our life, and heaven’s tomorrow will be much, much more abundant.

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.