Daily Companion | 1 January
NEW YEAR, NEW RESOLUTION
“Let us not therefore judge one another anymore: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.”
— Romans 14:13 (KJV)
As we enter a new year, God calls us not merely to make resolutions about what we will gain, but about how we will live. Though some believers are weak and others are strong, we are all commanded to agree on this one thing: we must not live to ourselves. The business of our lives is not self-pleasing, but God-pleasing. The aim of the Christian life in the new year is not comfort, applause, or advantage, but obedience and faithfulness to Christ.
Though Christians differ in strength, capacity, maturity, and practices in lesser matters, yet we all belong to the Lord. We all live under His authority, serve for His glory, and must approve ourselves to Him. He is Lord of those who live, to rule them. He is Lord of those who are spiritually dead, to revive and raise them. Therefore, no Christian has the right to despise another, nor to sit in judgment over another, because both the strong and the weak must soon give account before the same Lord.
If we lived with the consciousness of the judgment seat of Christ, it would silence rash judgments, harsh words, and proud comparisons. It would humble us, soften us, and restrain us. However, let us with love correct one another with a reflection on this “let him he or she who stands take heed, lest she falls”. Let every person therefore search his own heart and examine his own life. He who is strict with himself will not be quick to judge his brother. He who humbles himself and loves God would not make another stumble through inglorious appearance, conversation and association with the world.
As we step into this new year, we must take heed not to say or do anything that would cause another to stumble or fall. Love must govern liberty. Edification must outweigh personal preference. Our freedom must never become another person’s fall. Our strength must never become another person’s burden. In this new year, let us resolve to walk in love, pursue peace, and live not unto ourselves, but unto Him who died and rose again for us.
Today’s Recite:
“For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.” — Romans 14:7
Today’s Morning Prayers:
Lord, as I enter this new year, I surrender my life afresh to You. I choose not to live for myself, but for Your glory. Help me to walk in love, humility, and wisdom. Deliver me from pride, harsh judgment, and careless liberty. Make me a blessing and not a stumbling block to others. May my life please You in all things this year, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Today’s Hymn: Another Year Dawning (CHS 189)
Today's readme: Genesis 1 -2
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