HEBREWS 6:11-12 “And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

KEYWORD: If you study the life and character of Jesus Christ and model your life, faith, character, and exploits of love and obedience after Him, your life will blossom and radiate His glory and beauty.

Many people do not pay attention to what is influencing them, often unknowingly-whether it is the music they listen to, the entertainment and news they consume, or the people they follow. When the “celebrities, in quotes” constantly posts designer bags, clothes, or exotic vacations, do you realize the desires this creates in your heart? Some young men and women have gone astray or even met untimely ends because of these uncontrollable desires planted unknowingly in their hearts. What many fail to understand is that the things they crave often took years of hard work to acquire, yet they want them instantly.
Psalms 141:4 says: “Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.” So who should you imitate? The first and foremost is Jesus Christ, the One who left His heavenly throne and hosts to dwell among humanity, taking upon Himself the very sin offering for us, while we were still sinners. He did this knowing many would not yet comprehend what He had done.
Hebrews 12:2 KJV says: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” If you study the life and character of Jesus Christ and model your life, faith, character, and exploits of love and obedience after Him, your life will blossom and radiate His glory and beauty this year.
Just like you scroll through the social media pages of people you follow, imagine if you scrolled through the pages of Scripture with the same consistency. Your testimonies would already be different. Many people you follow online use your attention to climb their own ladder of success while leaving you behind; they do not know you personally, nor do they understand the struggles you face every day.
This year, cut off those beautiful but distracting influences. Focus on the One who knows you inside and out, who walks with you on the lonely paths of life, holding your hand and whispering, “You can rise. You have all it takes to succeed.” Shalom.

PRAYER:
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for the Word coming to me today. Help me to concentrate on the things that truly matter, and may Jesus Christ be the center of my heart and life this year. Hallelujah.

FURTHER STUDY:
PHILIPPIANS 2:8“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
HEBREWS 13:7“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”