Is anyone else excited that we've started a new year? Though January is my least favorite month, I do love the idea of a fresh start. Rather than making New Year's resolutions (because let's be honest - they are usually broken by January 15), I have decided once again to choose a focus word.
Peace, joy, fearless, forward - these are focus words I have chosen over the past few years. This year, my word is simplify.
Jesus modeled a focus on simplicity.
When I reflect on the life that Jesus led, it was certainly a life of simplicity. Jesus didn’t have any material possessions or fill his calendar with multiple activities. He simply surrounded himself with a group of friends and went from town to town preaching the Good News. While I am not planning on selling my house and becoming a traveling evangelist, I can apply Jesus' example to my life as we begin a new year.
First Timothy 6:6 says, 'Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment.'
For me, simplicity and contentment go hand in hand. When I am content, I’m not wanting more material things or to add more activities to my life.
I have to admit, I love to shop. I am a pro at Facebook Marketplace. I can waste so much time scrolling and looking for good deals. I have found that when I am feeling down or frustrated with things in my life, I turn to shopping for more stuff - things to make my house prettier, things to wear, or just something to make me feel better. That's why I chose the word simplify. Filling my house and closet with stuff does not bring about godliness and contentment. In fact, it seems to do exactly the opposite – The more I buy the more I want!
A few verses later, 1 Timothy 6:11 says, "…Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness." This year, my mindset is going to be pursuing these godly qualities, not more material things.
What will your focus be?
As I focus on the word simplicity, my focus is on Jesus and Jesus alone. My desire is to declutter my life both physically and spiritually. I am setting my mind to focus on the simple life Jesus led and pray for the Lord to bestow those qualities also in me. The more simplified I make my life, the more time I will have to grow in the Lord and become more like Jesus. What will your focus word be for 2022?
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