Are you looking for this new year to be better than the last one? Less may be more.

“He [Jesus] must become greater; I [John the Baptist] must become less.” (John 3:30 NIV)

If you charted your life—finances, work, family, faith—what percentage of your life reflects the lordship of Jesus? Does He impact your finances, business, health, free time, or close relationships?

To put it another way, is God increasing His percentage of lordship in your life? Or are you retaining control?

While retaining control sounds like a good thing, in reality, we are left feeling like the Greek Titan, Atlas, who carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. Join me in taking a load off in the new year by upping your game.

Team Up

Tired of batting old habits or unhealthy addictions? Check out the verses below.

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)

“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” (Galatians 5:16)

Paul reminds us that God’s Spirit brings freedom, and when we walk with the Holy Spirit, we master the desires of the flesh be they food, frills, or foolishness. Jesus, the God-Man, gives us His perfect Spirit so we can live as He did—sinless. Every step you take in obedience will be met and empowered by God Himself. Still, it’s helpful to have partners with skin on, too. Team up with the Ultimate Conqueror, but also pray for friends, mentors, and teachers who will encourage you and instruct you in godly day-to-day life management.

Show Up

Schedule regular board meetings. If you’ve never spent much time with God, start now.

“So, do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:31-33)

Note: What others run after, God gives to those who seek Him first.

Put Him first and the need to chase will disappear. Here’s a few tips to get started:

• Start with a song you like that gives Him praise.
• Talk to Him—and listen throughout the day for His response.
• Read His book.
• Go to church.

Show up for Him, and you’ll be amazed at how He will show up for you—and how you will begin to see that He always has.

Trade Up

Trading up for a professional improves your portfolio. Improve yours by taking a seat and letting God run the meeting.

“But he [Jesus] said to me [Paul], ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Let’s be honest. Our greatest strengths and our very best days can never compare with God’s perfection. Let’s confess that we aren’t all that, that we make mistakes, and that the world does not revolve around us. Our weaknesses give God a perfect venue to work. So let’s get out of His way—and watch the miracles begin.

This year, turn over the portfolio that is your life to God. Let Him manage it. Give Him full control, and watch your investments multiply in the new year.

Questions:

With what are you still struggling?

What are you chasing?

Are you fighting God for control?

Do you feel like Atlas? In what life area?

Is the fight worth it?

What do you have to lose by giving God control?

Tweetables:

Is God increasing His percentage of lordship in your life? Or are you retaining control? Click To Tweet
When we walk with the Holy Spirit, we master the desires of the flesh be they food, frills, or foolishness. Click To Tweet
What others run after, God gives to those who seek Him first. Click To Tweet
Trading up for a professional improves your portfolio. Improve yours by letting God run the meeting. Click To Tweet