New Year is a time for life changes

With a New Year, there is awareness of change. Each year, we become increasingly aware of our own mortality as elderly parents, relatives and even famous celebrities pass away. New births give promise to new families.

Should we necessarily forget the beliefs and benefits of past years just because a new year is now here?

No. It is because of the sacrifices of past generations that have led to younger generations reaping the prosperity and freedom that all of us enjoy living in a free country.

Remembering lessons and sacrifices of the past can make for a better future for new generations.

Along with the positive things of the past that have given life to the present, there are also things from the past that are negative.

You or someone you care about may have made very bad choices in the past with overwhelming guilt and sordid consequences.

Many have known the ravages of alcohol and drug abuse, poor financial planning, impulsive choices, and words said in anger that wounded someone.

After the time of Jesus, the Apostle Paul used to persecute the Christians.

The Apostle Paul was a leader of early Christianity and persecuted the Christians until he experienced a genuine change of heart when he was brought to remorse and repentance.

Repentance means changing one’s mind, or feeling regret for past wrongs and making up for those wrongs.

About 2,000 years ago, Paul wrote a letter to a church in a city called Philippi, wherein he said, “… I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 3:13-14.

Paul did not wallow in his guilt for past wrongdoings. You do not need to be ashamed of your past mistakes if you choose repentance, and seek to change what you have done.

Our friends at Teen Challenge are sharing their stories this month at New Hope Center, about how their lives have been changed when they walked down the path of repentance.

Today, they no longer have to live in the past, but instead they reach for what lies ahead.

You are welcome to join us and listen to their stories.