A New You 4 the New Year

Introduction: A New Year often brings excitement and anticipation—new goals, fresh starts, and the feeling that we can leave the old behind. Gyms are packed, diets are started, and planners are bought, only for many of us to realize by February that we’re back to eating chips on the couch and avoiding our exercise routines like we avoid chores.

But what if the "New You" for this “New Year” was more than just a temporary makeover? What if, instead of focusing on surface-level changes, we aimed for deep, lasting transformation—one that’s rooted in Christ? The Bible tells us that we are made new in Him, and that means real change is possible! Let’s explore some ways to create a “New You” this “New Year” that doesn’t fade away when the gym membership does.

Are you ready to receive some encouragement today? Here we go.

1. Start with a Renewed Mind – Romans 12:2

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

It has been said that “Transformation begins in the mind.” This is so true. We often think change happens by sheer willpower—like forcing yourself to eat salad instead of pizza. But real change starts by transforming the way we think. The Bible says in Proverbs 23:7,

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he”

As followers of Christ, we need to align our thoughts with God’s thoughts, replacing old, negative thinking with the truth of God’s Word. Far too many Christians have negative self-talk. We have got to stop that. We must make a positive mind change in 2025.

The Mind

Think of your mind like a cluttered garage (and let's be honest—some of our garages have never seen a car). We can try to stuff more things in, but eventually, we’ve got to clean out the junk. God’s Word is like the ultimate spring cleaning for your brain, tossing out lies and filling you with His truth.

As we move into the New Year let us start each day with Scripture (Read through the Bible). Let us allow God's Word to shape our thoughts. It could be a verse, a chapter, or even the You Version app that sends you a daily devotional.

So, when negative thoughts creep in (like, “I’ll never change” or “I can’t do this”), combat them with what God says about you. Such as we read in Philippians 4:13,

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

A New You in the New Year starts with mind change.

2. Set God-Sized Goals, Not Just Good Intentions – Ephesians 3:20

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

Do any of you set goals? I think that we probably all set goals as we go into the New Year – some call it RESOULATIONS – we set a goal to get fit, eat healthier, maybe read a book that isn’t just a collection of useless facts. But the problem is, many of our goals are self-focused and too small. There has got to be a better way to set, activate, and achieve our goals.

I believe that God invites us to dream bigger goals that go beyond just self-improvement and point to His purposes for our lives. Many times, our goals are temporary, but what if we set life-long goals that would carry us through our entire lives. Now your talking!

It’s like going to an all-you-can-eat buffet and only filling up your plate with bread rolls. When God has this massive feast of blessings and opportunities, why settle for less? Don’t limit what God can do in your life.

The Real Key

Ask God to show you what His goals are for your life this year. I don’t want to tell you what your goals should be, but I do believe that the Holy Spirit can and will lead you if you really desire a New You for the New Year!

It is possible that God wants you to step into a new ministry, restore a broken relationship, or be bolder in sharing your faith with those outside of Christ. Listen for the voice of God, and then write down what God reveals to you. Only do what God tells you to do in 2025. Set goals but also trust that God might want to do even more than you can imagine. Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Scripture says,

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. (Romans 8:14)

A New You in the New Year starts with Setting God Sized Goals!

3. Surround Yourself with the Right People – Proverbs 27:1

As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

Years ago, I read the following statement:

“Choose your friends carefully as they will determine the direction and the quality of your life.”

Now, if you’re serious about becoming a "New You in the “New Year”, you need the right people around you. Think about it—how successful would you be in sticking to your new fitness plan if your best friend is always calling you up to go out for ice cream? (Nothing against ice cream—amen?) Transformation requires a community of people who will encourage you, hold you accountable, and walk with you through the ups and downs.

Make it a goal this New Year to find one close friend that will help encourage you to achieve the New You in 2025. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 we are told about the value of a good friend. We read,

9Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. 10For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? 12Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Watch Geese

Ever notice how geese fly in that V formation? It turns out they’re doing that because it makes the journey easier for everyone. When one gets tired, another takes the lead. And that’s a beautiful picture of why we need others to “fly” with us in life. It’s hard to go the distance alone!

Get connected with others who are also seeking to grow in their relationship with Christ. Join a small group (men get involved in our discipleship training), find a mentor, or be intentional about surrounding yourself with godly friends. And remember, part of this process is also being that encouraging friend to others.

A New You in the New Year starts with surrounding yourself with great friends!

4. Let Go of What’s Holding You Back – Hebrews 12:1

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Creating a “New You” for the “New Year” means letting go of the old things that weigh you down. We all have baggage—whether it’s unhealthy habits, toxic relationships, or past mistakes. You can’t step into the new if you’re still holding on to the old. Did you hear what I just said? Allow me to repeat it – You can’t step into the new if you’re still holding on to the old.

Imagine running a marathon while carrying a backpack full of bricks. It’s not impossible, but it sure makes it a lot harder. That’s what holding onto sin or unhealthy patterns is like—it’s weighing you down, keeping you from running the race God has set before you.

Take time to reflect on what might be holding you back from becoming the person God wants you to be. Is it bitterness, fear, or unhealthy habits? Give those things to God in prayer and ask for His help in releasing them. You can’t carry yesterday’s baggage into tomorrow’s transformation.

A New You in the New Year starts with letting go of what is holding you back.

5. Embrace Grace and Keep Moving Forward – Philippians 3:12

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

Transformation is a process, not an overnight success. There will be days when you slip up, fall short, or feel like giving up. But the good news is that God’s grace is there to pick you up and keep you moving forward. You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to keep pressing on! The Apostle Paul penned in Philippians 3:13,

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.

Think of your spiritual growth like learning to ride a bike. At first, there are wobbles, maybe a few crashes, and some skinned knees. But over time, you get the hang of it. God’s grace is like training wheels, keeping you steady as you learn to move forward in faith.

When you fall short (because we all do), don’t give up or get discouraged. Remember that God’s grace covers your mistakes, and His power is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Keep pressing on, even when the progress feels slow. The key is not perfection but persistence.

The snail made it to the ark through persistence!

A New You in the New Year starts with embracing grace and moving forward.

Conclusion: As we step into this New Year, let’s not settle for resolutions that fizzle out by the end of January. God wants to do a deeper work in us—a transformation that comes from:

· Renewed minds.

· God-sized goals.

· Supportive relationships.

· Letting go of past baggage.

· Embracing grace and moving forward.

The "New You" for the “New Year” isn’t about a quick fix—it’s about becoming the person God created you to be, step by step, day-by-day throughout the calendar year of 2025.

As we enter into a New Year, let’s embrace the challenge of transformation, knowing that God is faithful to complete the good work He’s started in us (Philippians 1:6). So, here’s to a “New You” in the “New Year”, powered by God’s grace, filled with excitement, and ready for whatever lies ahead.