One of the wonderful things about human beings is we can change the direction of our lives any time we desire. Sometimes this involves major life changes, like switching jobs, going back to school, or retiring. At other times, the change in direction is based in its entirety on adjusting our attitude or the habits we nurture. While wrapping any of these changes in New Year’s resolutions is a popular practice, no one needs to wait until then to change the trajectory of their lives.
No matter how near or far away the next New Year is, you can decide to change your life today. There is no greater change you can make than deciding to follow Jesus with everything you have in every area of your life (Luke 9:23-24). No decision will have a greater impact on the direction of your life (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Before deciding on the changes you wish to make, it’s imperative you take your thoughts and desires to God (Proverbs 3:5-6). You are better off never going down those paths if your plans don’t align with His will (Proverbs 19:21; James 4:13-15). Compare your ideas with the teachings found in Scripture. If your goals violate any Biblical teaching, not only will your plans never manifest in the results you think they’ll bring, but you’ll waste countless days, months, and years pursuing something that will never glorify God. You don’t have that kind of time (Psalm 39:4-5; James 4:14). Steven Covey was famous for his teaching, “Begin with the end in mind.” Good advice. But you know what’s much better advice? Begin with God in mind. If the direction of your life doesn’t start at the foot of the cross, your life will never be worthy of God’s Kingdom (Matthew 6:33; Luke 14:27).
Aligning your plans with God’s will is simple, although people love to make it complex. Does your goal violate God’s Word in any way? Is it consistent with His character (Micah 6:8)? Does it result in a closer walk with Him (Psalm 119:105)? Will it help or hinder others (Philippians 2:3-4)? This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it should give you enough of an understanding to verify your plans align with God’s will. Once you’re certain your plans align with God’s will, you’re ready to begin implementing them. Implementation of your plan is going to require you being intentional in everything you do (1 Corinthians 10:31). Not only do need a plan, you need to stick to it as if your life depends on it.
First, determine how and when you will study God’s Word. You’ll go nowhere if this isn’t the bedrock of how you live (Psalm 1:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Second, plan your prayer time (Mark 1:35 – the imperfect tense of the Greek used in this verse implies this was a habit for Jesus). When will you pray? For whom and what will you pray? What materials do you need to keep track of the various things and people for whom you will pray? Third, how will you serve? How will you use the talents God places in your hands for His glory (1 Peter 4:10-11; Romans 12:6-8)? If you get these questions settled and are intentional in sticking to them, the direction of your life will change for the better. In fact, nothing else you do in life will matter much. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, strength, mind, and soul, and love everyone else as much as you love yourself (Mark 12:28-31). Do this and you will never need to worry about the direction of your life.