Give yourself permission
Jan 13, 2026
What’s Right About You?
Give yourself permission to be the light He says you are.
As a new year begins, we naturally turn inward, examining ourselves and making resolutions to fix what’s broken. But what if the gospel offers a better way? Not self-improvement, but transformation. Not striving to change ourselves but learning to live as who we were always called to be.
The world and even religion are very good at pointing out our faults. Jesus does something different. He says, “I know everything about you, every moment, every detail.” And still, He says, “Come.” He doesn’t start by listing our failures. He reveals our worth. He pours out His love, declares our beauty, and reminds us of the plans He has for us.
Yes, we came to Him because of our sin, but now we walk with Him because we are forgiven. That is why the gospel is called Good News. Because every mistake, every imperfection, even our willful disobedience, has a winning solution that is final and complete.
We cannot fix ourselves. It never truly works, and when it does, it’s only temporary. Jesus knew this and He came with a better plan. We often accept the cross as our ticket into heaven; yet quietly doubt its power to transform our lives here and now.
In 2026, let’s focus on something new: what is right about you. What has God said about you? What has He woven into your soul that is beautiful, righteous, and good? When this becomes your focus, growth follows naturally. You become what you pursue.
We cannot change darkness, harness it, or manage it in the name of Christian faith. This is exactly what we are doing with our radical New Year’s resolutions.
Trying to do your best because you are loved is healthy. When we strive to do our best because we fear failure or disappointing God, we step into legalism.
God’s love is not contingent upon performance. He wants relationship, not perfection.
If we spend all our energy trying to fix what’s wrong, we may miss what He’s been delighting in all along.
Then, somehow, the ducks fall into line while you weren’t looking to herd them.