I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
– Romans 12:1 NKJV
One of the most important things you want to do for yourself this year is to create an environment in which you can serve God all year. It determines your effectiveness and growth as a believer. It takes effort to ensure that you do not allow for negative influences, strife, or a poor devotional life when creating the right environment.
Man is a product of influence, hence we must ensure that whatever it is that we allow into our lives should foster our walk with the Lord and our service to Him. You must be careful to have the right company of friends that will strengthen your walk with God (Hebrews 10:24-25).
The Christian life was not designed to be lived in isolation. The church is God’s idea to strengthen, build and restore the believer. (1 John 4:1). Don’t be open to everything out there. In this new year, learn to say no to some things. Carefully curate your environment and make your mind up on some things you will never indulge in.
More so, you must create an environment that is devoid of strife. Strife is one of the devil’s tactics that prevent people from walking in the will of God. It steals your peace and joy and makes you erratic. Practice walking in love towards all men. Learn to forgive more than you seek justice. Live peaceably with all men. (2 Timothy 2:22)
Another key way to create the right environment to aid your service to God is to ensure that your devotional life is on fire. Let it be your personal goal this year that you will not miss any day of prayer and bible study. This singular act can keep your heart all through the year because in studying the word, our conviction is deepened and in prayer, our conviction is preserved.
Finally, do not lose your awe this new year. Allow those things that you have held sacred over time to remain so. Don’t alter the things that have kept you in God’s will. This year, keep your devotion, have times of personal prayer and fasting, preach the gospel, and let your life glorify God.
DO THIS: Have a plan. Write out what you want to do every day, every week, and every month for this year and set structures that will help you do them this year.
Bible Reading Plan: Genesis 9-11