At the beginning of each new year, many of us decide that it is a good time for the renewal and recommitment of ourselves to the things of God.
The goal often includes the renewal of the mind, body, and spirit as we embark upon another year of becoming a better version of ourselves.
Some of us even dare to make a vow to live in fullness, to live a life of complete wholeness. So, what does that really mean? What is “fullness”? Once we know what “living in fullness” means, how do we achieve it? What steps do we take to get there?
God’s Word helps us understand this journey. Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV) reminds us: “You were taught about your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” We are reminded of our initial shift toward the things of God and the need to stay in that renewed mind, to remain righteous, holy, and uncorrupted by our fleshly desires.
The MSG Bible describes our former way of life like this: “But that’s no life for you. You learned Christ! My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus. Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life must go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you” (Ephesians 4:20-24 MSG). What a powerful reminder this is for us!
We must stand strong in our faith and in the principles that the Lord has set out for us. We must guard our hearts against discouragement and feelings of defeat because, if we are not careful, it may rob us of our victory. Although rough storms may come, we need to have a solid anchor in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock Eternal” (Isaiah 26:4 NIV). Because the Lord is our fortress, we can never be shaken if we put our trust in Him! Glory be to God for shifting our atmosphere.
