Renewed for Such a Time as This: Starting the New Year with Purpose

A new year brings fresh possibilities, renewed hope, and the temptation to jump straight into resolutions and plans. But before we rush ahead, it is worth pausing to reflect on something even more important: how we understand our faith and the role of the church in our lives.

This moment at the start of a new year is not just about new habits or better routines. It is about renewal. It is about choosing, once again, who we will serve and how we will live as God’s people.

IS THE CHURCH A COUNTRY CLUB OR A COMMUNITY OF FAITH?

There is a subtle but dangerous shift happening in many Western churches today. Over time, it is easy for people to begin treating the church like a country club instead of what it was always meant to be: a community centered on worship, service, and discipleship.

This shift often shows up when belonging comes before believing, comfort comes before calling, tradition comes before transformation, and membership comes before discipleship.

MEMBER-MAKING VS. DISCIPLE-MAKING

Church membership matters. It has biblical significance and practical value. But membership was never meant to be the finish line.

A disciple-making church focuses on helping people grow deeper in their faith and learn how to share Christ’s love with others. It is not about adding names to a roll. It is about shaping lives that reflect Jesus.

We do not come to church to be served. We come to serve the God who loves us unconditionally. Worship is not about us; it is for God and God alone.

CHOOSING WHO YOU WILL SERVE

Joshua stood before the people of Israel after reminding them of God’s faithfulness through the wilderness. Then he issued a clear challenge: “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

This was not about starting something new. It was about renewing something sacred.

FIVE WAYS WE SUPPORT THE CHURCH COMMUNITY

1. Through Our PrayersPrayer is not the warm-up before the real work of the church begins. Prayer is the real work of the church.

2. Through Our PresenceYour presence matters. When you show up, someone is encouraged and strengthened.

3. Through Our GiftsGiving is not about paying dues. It is about trusting God and investing in His work.

4. Through Our ServiceEvery believer is gifted, and every believer is called to serve.

5. Through Our WitnessOur greatest witness is how we live our faith every day.

WHAT DOES DEEPER FAITH LOOK LIKE?

Going deeper means strengthening our prayer life, being present in community, growing in generosity, serving faithfully, and living as authentic witnesses.

This year, choose one area: prayers, presence, gifts, service, or witness, and commit to growing in that area.

We are not just turning the page on a calendar. We are renewing a sacred commitment to live as God’s people and reflect His love to the world.

Devotional