Jan 19, 2021
Every year, most people chart out a course for the New
Year. There are goals to be set, resolutions to write down
and of course changes that need to be made. Why do people do
this? Is it just the thing to do? There's no rule or
law that says we need to set goals or make changes...so why do we
do it?
We do it because there is something inside of us that
says: You can be better.
Deep in our hearts we know that we need to be better at
being good. Not surprisingly there is an almost
universal pull in all humans to strive to be better at being
good. A quick internet search will reveal a plethora of
articles, studies, and theories on not only the desire to be good,
but also strategies on how to be better at being good. People
genuinely want to be better at being good!
Here is a question worth considering: Can
a person really become better at being good?
Most people fall short of reaching goals and resolutions because
their focus is primarily on changing actions. The
same can be said for our efforts to be a good person. All of
the action and energy is put on changing
behaviors. What if there was a different strategy, one
that focused on motives?
As Jesus begins his ministry his focus is on helping people live a
new life, a life of righteousness. However, instead of giving
new disciplines, rules and laws to help change
people's behaviors he reveals a new approach. This
approach is focused not on actions but
motives. Jesus knew that for people to be better at
being good they didn't need more laws, they needed better motives
and to help provide those motives he had to get into people's
hearts.
Do you want to know more about what Jesus has to say about changing
your motives? Check out part two of our sermon series,
Apex. We know that you will find it to be very
helpful!