Christ at the Center: Our Identity and Aim

Paul writes that all things were created by and for Christ—things visible and invisible (Colossians 1:16). The One who made us is also the One who makes us holy: “He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source” (Hebrews 2:11–13). By His single offering, He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified (Hebrews 10:14).

This is the anchor: Christ is supreme, and in Him, we are set apart. Our New Year’s habits don’t earn us a place with God—they’re how we live out the place He’s already given us. That’s good news for weary hearts and for churches longing for holiness, unity, and truth.

Guard the Message: Clarity in a Noisy Age

Our cultural moment excels at distortion. Stories get clipped, context evaporates, and rumors become reality. The Colossians battled doctrinal confusion; we face algorithmic confusion. The antidote is the same: clarity about Christ and integrity in our words.

• Hold fast to the truth of Christ’s identity and work (Colossians 1:15–20).
• Speak truth in love, not with suspicion or spite (Ephesians 4:15).
• Use speech that builds up and gives grace (Ephesians 4:29).

In practice, seek clarity by asking questions, checking sources before sharing, and cultivating the habit of summarizing what you heard: “What I’m hearing is… is that right?” Integrity in communication is part of our witness that Christ is supreme.

For a concise theological refresher on how God makes us holy—and why that matters for our words—see these resources about sanctification from Intouch Ministries.

Make Every Effort: Habits that Hold in 2026

New Year energy is great; New Year endurance is better. Peter’s counsel is refreshingly practical: “Make every effort” to add to your faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love (2 Peter 1:5–8).

Focus less on “resolutions,” more on “rhythms.” Habits are small hinges that swing big doors. Consider a durable Rule of Life focused on Scripture, prayer, community, and service:

• Daily: Scripture (10 minutes in the Gospels), prayer (The Lord’s Prayer), brief examen (Where did I see God’s grace today?).
• Weekly: Lord’s Day worship, a shared meal with believers, one intentional act of service.
• Monthly: Extended quiet with the Word (60 minutes), confession and Communion, generosity review.
• Quarterly: Half-day retreat, revisit your plan, celebrate fruit, adjust with humility.

Relational Holiness: Forgive and Speak Clearly

Where clarity preserves truth, forgiveness preserves unity. Jesus ties our experience of God’s forgiveness to our practice of forgiving others (Matthew 6:14–15). Paul calls us to forgive as we have been forgiven in Christ (Ephesians 4:32).

Make forgiveness a habit, not an exception:

• Pray: “Father, as You have forgiven me, help me forgive.”
• Ask: “Where have I miscommunicated or hurt you? I want to own it.”
• Extend: “I forgive you; I will not weaponize this, gossip about it, or replay it.”

Forgiveness doesn’t ignore truth; it clears the fog so truth can be heard. Pair it with honest, humble speech, and watch relationships heal as you remember that Christ is supreme over your relationships.

A Tree Like No Other: One Life, Many Branches

The Bible gives us a vivid picture: we’re grafted into God’s people, nourished by the same life (Romans 11:17–24). Jesus Himself says, “I am the vine; you are the branches… apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:1–5).

Unity is not uniformity. Like a fruit tree grafted with many varieties, the body of Christ thrives when diverse gifts draw from one Source. This year, pursue cultivated unity:

• Commit to a local church with patience and presence.
• Serve where there’s a need, not just where there’s a thrill.
• Encourage weekly—name the grace you see in others.
• Reconcile quickly—practice clear apologies and real forgiveness.

From Abiding to Adding: A Simple 30-Day Starter

Turn conviction into real action with this 30-day reset. Small, repeatable, possible:

• Scripture: Read Colossians 1, Hebrews 2, John 15, and 2 Peter 1 in week one. Reread and journal prayers the remaining weeks.
• Prayer: Pray the Lord’s Prayer morning and evening; add names of those to forgive.
• Speech: Before sending any “hot” text or email, step away for 5 minutes. Aim for Ephesians 4:29 speech—true, needed, gracious.
• Forgiveness: Make one phone call to reconcile. Keep it brief, humble, and hopeful.
• Community: Join a small group or Bible class. Show up three weeks in a row.
• Service: Choose one hidden, consistent service (nursery rotation, meal train, parking team). Do it with joy.

Worship and Awe: Let Wonder Lead the Way

Creation sings the glory of its Maker, and so should we. Let awe fuel your obedience. When Christ is supreme and His sanctifying love meets our daily choices, the result is clarity in truth, generosity in forgiveness, and fruit that lasts.

Pray This to Begin the Year

Lord Jesus, Creator of all and Sanctifier of Your people, anchor our identity in You. Guard our mouths from distortion; fill them with truth and grace. Teach us to forgive as we’ve been forgiven. By Your Spirit, help us make every effort—not to earn Your favor, but to enjoy Your fellowship and bear much fruit. Graft our lives deeper into Yours, for the good of Your church and the glory of Your name. Amen.

Keep Going: Helpful Anchors

• Christ the Creator (Colossians 1:16)
• He Who Sanctifies (Hebrews 10:14)
• Make Every Effort (2 Peter 1:5–8)
• Truth in Love (Ephesians 4:15)
• Forgive as Forgiven (Matthew 6:14–15)
• What Is Sanctification? (Ligonier)
• Developing Spiritual Disciplines (Crossway)