EP 167: 5 Christ-Centered Priorities for a New Year

Inside: I’m sharing five key priorities to help us keep Christ at the center of our lives as we step into the new year. Together, we’ll explore renewing our minds, redeeming the time, serving with humility, walking in gratitude and contentment, and keeping an eternal perspective.

As we step into the new year, I’ve been reflecting on how we, as believers, can keep Christ at the center of our lives in the year ahead. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the advice on productivity and goal-setting that comes our way this time of year. While planning and goals are good, our ultimate aim isn’t productivity for its own sake—it’s to glorify God in all we do.

Each year, my husband and I take time to prayerfully set spiritual priorities for our marriage, family, and personal walks with the Lord. These conversations are sweet times of reflection and dependence on Him, and they help us anchor our hearts in Christ.

This year, I want to share five key areas to help us fix our hearts and minds on what truly matters. These priorities align with our family’s spiritual goals, and I pray they encourage you to set Christ-centered goals for your own life.

Colossians 3:1-2 beautifully reminds us:

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

Let’s lift our eyes to Him as we walk through these five priorities: renewing our minds, redeeming our time, serving with humility, walking in gratitude and contentment, and keeping an eternal perspective.

Listen to EP 167: 5 Christ-Centered Priorities for a New Year

Listen to the podcast below or on your favorite podcast catcher app (40 minutes) or read a portion below (10 minutes)

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1. Renewing Our Minds

Key Verse: Romans 12:2

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

This verse is foundational as we step into the new year with a heart and mind focused on Christ. Paul calls us to avoid being conformed to this world—to resist the patterns and values that pull us toward self-centered living and distractions. Instead, we are to pursue transformation through the renewing of our minds.

This renewal isn’t something we can achieve on our own. It’s the work of the Holy Spirit using God’s Word to shape our thoughts, desires, and actions to align with Christ. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, think deeply on it, and live it out, our minds are shaped by His truth, and we begin to understand His will—what is good, pleasing, and perfect.

Renewing our minds is a vital part of sanctification—the lifelong process by which God, through the Holy Spirit, transforms us into the image of Christ. It’s not instant but a steady, daily work of grace. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture and prayer, God uses His Word to shape our thoughts, desires, and actions.

Practical Steps to Renew Your Mind

• Daily Bible Reading: Even a few verses each day allow God’s Word to saturate your heart over time.
• Study Scripture: Use trusted resources to dive deeper. Ask how it reveals God’s character and points to Christ.
• Memorize Scripture: Commit key verses to memory, letting them guide your thoughts and actions.
• Pray Through Scripture: Turn your reading into personal prayers, asking the Lord to transform your heart. Recommended Resource: Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney
• Limit Distractions: Replace time spent on entertainment or social media with Christ-centered activities.

2. Redeeming the Time

Key Verse: Ephesians 5:15-16

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”

Time is a gift, and Paul calls us to “redeem the time” by living with purpose and focusing on what truly matters. In a world full of distractions, this means prioritizing activities that glorify God and align with His will.

To redeem time means making the most of the moments God has given us and remembering that our days are limited. It’s about walking with intentionality, prioritizing activities that honor the Lord, and avoiding the pull of procrastination or distractions. Time is a gift from God, and we’re called to use it wisely in ways that glorify Him.

We won’t do this perfectly, but that’s not the goal. It’s about taking small, faithful steps to honor God with the moments He gives us and trusting Him to use our efforts, no matter how small they may seem, for His eternal purposes.

Practical Tips for Redeeming the Time

• Simplify Your Schedule: Let go of commitments that detract from spiritual growth or relationships.
• Use Small Moments Wisely: Pray while waiting in line, listen to Scripture during commutes, or encourage someone with a quick text.
• Plan with Eternity in Mind: Regularly ask, “Does this matter in light of eternity?”

3. Serving with Humility

Key Verse: Philippians 2:3-4

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

This passage calls us to Christlike humility. Paul exhorts us to put aside selfish ambition and consider others’ needs as more important than our own. This humility doesn’t come naturally—it’s the work of the Spirit as we walk with Christ and follow His example.

Christ’s humility sets the ultimate example for us. Though fully God, He took on the form of a servant and humbled Himself to the point of death on the cross. As His followers, we’re called to reflect His selflessness and love in how we serve others.

Serving others with humility isn’t about trying to do it all in your own strength; it’s about reflecting the love and grace of Christ. Start right where you are, with what you have, and trust God to use your efforts for His glory.

Ask yourself: Who can I serve today? How can I reflect Christ’s humility in my relationships and in my home?

Practical Ways to Serve Others with Humility

• Start at Home: Show love through small acts of service, listening attentively, and offering encouragement.
• Serve in Your Church and Community: Volunteer in ministries, bring meals to those in need or write notes of encouragement.
• Focus on Christlikeness, Not Accomplishments: Cultivate humility, kindness, and selflessness, reflecting the fruit of the Spirit.

4. Walking in Gratitude and Contentment

Key Verses:

• 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
• Philippians 4:11: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”

Gratitude flows from recognizing God’s goodness in every circumstance, and contentment comes from trusting His provision. Both are daily choices that draw us closer to the Lord.

As we practice gratitude and contentment, we acknowledge that God is good, sovereign, and faithful in every season. The world would tell us to search for comfort, convenience, and more, but Christ tells us to rest in Him. True joy and peace are found in His sufficiency.

Practical Ways to Cultivate Gratitude and Contentment

• Start a Gratitude Journal: Write down three things you’re thankful for each day.
• Meditate on God’s Faithfulness: Reflect on answered prayers and His unchanging character.
• Trust God’s Provision in Each Season: Contentment grows as we trust God to meet our needs in His timing and way.
• Express Gratitude in Relationships: A simple “thank you” strengthens bonds and reflects Christ’s love.

5. Keeping an Eternal Perspective

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 4:18

“For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

Focusing on the eternal reshapes our priorities and helps us endure trials with hope. It reminds us that the joys and challenges of today are part of God’s greater story, leading to glory with Him.

Encouragement: Fixing Our Eyes on Christ

An eternal perspective centers our focus on Christ as our ultimate goal. Each decision reflects whether we’re drawing closer to Him or being distracted by what is fleeting.

• Philippians 3:14: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Paul’s words remind us that the Christian life is active. We’re called to press forward, growing and running toward the ultimate goal of being with Christ and like Christ.

Charles Spurgeon beautifully said: “Always making progress—throwing himself into it, having the reward before him, the prize of perfection in Christ, and running towards it with all his might.”

Charles Spurgeon captured the heart of this verse. He reminded us that it’s not about striving in our own strength but being fully surrendered to Christ—we are to pursue Him with everything we have, knowing that He is the one who enables us to run.

My dear friend, it’s a beautiful picture of progress, not perfection. As we trust the Lord to complete His work in us, we can be encouraged to press on keeping the prize of Christ before us and running the race with hearts filled with hope and joy in Him.

Practical Ways to Keep an Eternal Perspective

• Share the Gospel: Build relationships and verbally share the hope of salvation.
• Disciple Others: Walk alongside friends or family, pointing them to Christ.
• Use Resources for God’s Glory: Prioritize giving to your church, supporting missions, and spending time in prayer and the Word.

Encouragement for the Year Ahead

As we begin this new year, let’s remember that our walk with the Lord isn’t about doing more or trying harder—it’s easy to fall into this thinking that it all depends on us. Instead, it’s about faithfully walking with Him each day, moment by moment. There will be moments—probably many—where we fail. But when we do, He is there, waiting for us to turn to Him, and His mercies are new every morning. His grace is always enough. As you plan your days, keep your eyes fixed on Him and trust that He will guide you every step of the way.

I pray that 2025 will be a year where we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, anchoring our lives in Him.