Old Habits are in for New Year

Every time the New Year rolls around we all have a tendency to think about new goals, new diets, new workouts, and new disciplines. It’s part of the post holiday recovery process. We think about doing something new that we should have been doing all along.

As I was studying the Gospel of Matthew today, it was good to take a peek at Joseph’s life. He was the type of guy that didn’t need a New Year to jump start his follow through. He had a habit of not waiting to do the right thing when God prompted.

We don’t hear much about him. He doesn’t get the press that Mary does when it comes to all of the Christmas story stuff. But he plays an important role in the ushering in of our King. He follows through every time he is instructed.

Listen to this: “And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him…” Matthew 1:24
“So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night and left for Egypt…” Matthew 2:14
“So Joseph got up, took the Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel.” Matthew 2:21

How about that for follow through? An angel would show up with a message or he would have a dream with God speaking and without hesitation, he is taking action. Without his immediate obedience, we might not celebrate Christmas the way we do today.

So how is your follow through when God grabs your attention? Do you jump up and go for it, or do you put it off for a little later or the next day? If Joseph had delayed, Jesus could have been executed via Herod’s command along with all of the other young babies in that region. I am so thankful for that he did follow through…immediately.

How about this year, resolving to act immediately in response to God’s instruction in your life. You read it in His Word, you follow through on it. You get convicted and need to ask forgiveness, go do it…immediately. You see someone who needs your help, lend a hand. When parents or a boss ask you to do something, get it done…as soon as they ask.

We don’t need to a new year to remind us to follow through, we need only to look at Joseph and follow his example of obedience. He stopped long enough to listen and then respond.

That’s where I want to be every day.