Did you make New Year’s resolutions? Which areas of your life do you hope to change, and how will you make that happen? Did you include becoming more like Jesus this year?

What if, as believers, we adopted God’s goal for us? We know he wants to conform us to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29)—a process called spiritual formation, but knowledge alone is insufficient. 

Most Christians hope to grow in godliness. But how? Can we sit back, waiting for God to change us? Do we have the power to accomplish the goal ourselves? 

Neither technique works. Instead, spiritual growth is a joint venture. God will not do our part, and we cannot do his. Like growing crops, we must plant, fertilize, and remove weeds. But only God can send the rain and sun necessary for a bountiful harvest.

Approaches to Spiritual Formation

One method to achieve spiritual maturity is removing the weeds, i.e., cutting out bad habits. Yet, Paul focused his energy on pursuing God’s call and goal instead.

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13-14

For many decades, I chose an annual emphasis for my private prayers, e.g., growing in holiness or eliminating certain sins. But unfortunately, after a few days or weeks, I forgot to pay attention.

So, this year, I have a new plan, one I read in a book: My One Word by Mike Ashcraft. Rather than choosing an emphasis, I chose a word—one I invite God to use as he transforms my heart and one I use to examine my life. Focusing on one word facilitates change.

Steps to Change

Are you interested in fulfilling God’s goal for you? If so, I invite you to join me in this experiment. I list the steps below, but each needs careful prayer and deliberation.

1. Describe the person you want to become.

How would the person you want to become act and react? How would they respond when they encounter the challenges you face?

2. Define the characteristics of that person.

What character traits would the person you described exhibit? What attitudes would their speech and actions reveal?

3. Determine your word and Bible verse.

Which word represents what you hope God will do in your life this year? After deciding, select a Scripture and picture that supports your word and encourages you.

4. Display your word.

Unless you keep your word in front of you, you will be prone to forget it. To help you remember, write your chosen word on pieces of paper, placing them around the house and on your laptop, tablet, phone, etc.—locations you see every day.

Name ways you can remind yourself of your word. Where can you put it so you will see it often?

My Word

I chose the word “Grace,” which in New Testament days was a secular, not religious, word. Grace referred to reciprocity (mutual obligations) between human beings or between a person and God. Paul had this understanding in mind when he wrote:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. 

Ephesians 2:8-10

First-century grace described:

• The willingness of a patron to give a gift: God’s desire to forgive and include us in his family—For it is by grace you have been saved
• The gift itself: God’s gifts of salvation and spiritual gifts (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4)—it is the gift of God
• The grateful response of the client to the gift: our efforts to join Jesus in building his kingdom as we share his light and love— For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works

A Plan for Change

My word provides a lens through which I see the changes I need to make, plus it gives me a way to evaluate whether a transformation is occurring. So, how does my word, grace, challenge me?

• To look at every circumstance, person, or hardship as God’s gift of opportunity to grow me in grace. What does God want to teach me through this person or experience?
• To demonstrate God’s grace in every relationship, whether at home, work, or outside. How can I exhibit more aggressive grace (grace that prioritizes another’s good over mine, that is more willing to suffer wrong than do wrong) to my spouse, family, friends, or even hard-to-like people?

What about you? How will you partner with God to become more like Jesus this year?