Blessed Changes for the New Year

Brad Wilcox said it best: “Don’t let the world change you when you were born to change the world.” In choosing goals for the new year, focus on blessed changes that will give your life more meaning and direction.

Resolutions

As your New Year’s resolution list starts to grow, what would happen if you did 2025 differently? Instead of focusing on all the flaws you think need fixing, what about approaching growth for this new year with what you have to give, not what you want to get?

Self-improvement is a billion-dollar industry. There is nothing wrong with wanting to progress or working on life goals. But focusing on everything that is wrong with you is big business.

Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, perfection is promised to those who keep trying. But in our constant fixation with trying to be better, look better, and fix ourselves, we miss blessed changes in ways we can build the kingdom and make a difference, just the way we are.

Where can you be an instrument in the hand of God to help, rather than starting a new work-out program?

Differences Needed

Sister Ardeth Kapp advised, “You can’t be a life[guard] if you look like all the other swimmers on the beach.” The world needs more of you, not more of the influencer on Instagram. It is in our diversity we discover our divinity.

Look at the variety of plants and animals. God loves variety. Look for a problem to be solved, a question to be asked, a room where you are needed. How can you bring your unique set of talents and skills to those spaces?

Stop the comparison voices that tell you to be more like  someone else. Instead ask where you are needed. And then watch how God uses you this year. Your differences may change a crucial conversation, and your life experience could be the answer to someone’s silent prayer for connection.

Be willing to be you. Be willing to be different. Your birthright means that you were born to make blessed changes for the world.

Brad Wilcox offered an important perspective:

Does your birthright mean you are better than others? No, but it does mean you are expected to help others be better. Does your birthright mean you are chosen? Yes, but not chosen to rule over others; you are chosen to serve them.

Closeness to God

In the same General Conference talk, Brad Wilcox taught,

You are working hand in hand with Jesus Christ. With each new covenant—and as your relationship with Him deepens—you hold each other tighter and tighter until you are firmly clasped together. In that sacred symbol of His grace, you will find both the desire and the strength to live exactly how the Savior lived—differently from the world. You’ve got this because Jesus Christ has got you!

Changing your bank account, traveling to distant lands, or reading more books are all worthy aspirations. But what if you focus in 2025 on growing closer to God. Work with Him to identify what you need to work on. Talk with Him about what places and spaces He wants you to walk in. Walk with Him in daily devotion, covenant making and keeping, repentance and service, and you will end up exactly where is best for your eternal happiness. Your Father in Heaven is ready to give you all He has. God’s eternal purpose was expressed by Brad Wilcox.

Your compensation is not merely a mansion in heaven and streets paved with gold . .  . His desire is to help you become all that He is. Thus, your commitments demand more of you because that is how God is making more of you.

So as you are making your lists, setting your goals, and defining your ambitions, make a list of who you already are and share more of that. Do it differently. And do it with God, and you will have a blessed and prosperous new year.