It’s another New Year! Of course, it’s expected we improve on our spiritual lives and be better Christians in 2024. What do we intend to avoid this year to accomplish an enhanced Christ-like life? BETTY AMUKPO converses with some children. They responded thus:
‘A prayerless life’
What I’ll like to avoid in this year 2024 is an un-prayerful life. Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God” (CCC, no. 2559). If I don’t pray, it means I’m not in communication with God, and the Bible says “cut out from God, we can’t do anything (John 15:5). I’ll make it a habit to intensify my prayer life and avoid not praying so that I won’t be cut off from God. Dear friends, let’s make prayer our priority this year because if we draw closer to God, He will also draw closer to us (James 4:8).
• Chiamaka Idoko
‘Desires of the flesh’
What I will avoid in 2024 is taken from the Book of Galatians 5: 16-17, “So, I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want, but what God wants you to do.”
• Adigwe Chisom
‘Keeping bad friends and using abusive words on my friends’
Isaiah 59:2 states, “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” As a child of God, the following are things I’ll avoid this year:
• I’ll avoid disobeying my parents and elders for the Bible says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” Ephesians 6:1.
• I’ll avoid keeping bad friends and using abusive words on my friends
• I’ll avoid sins such as stealing, lying, fighting and gossiping. This year I’ll make sure I obey all commandments of God and do the right things.
• Umennadi Francis Chibunna
‘Self-doubt’
As I look ahead to the year 2024, I can’t help but reflect on the many personal “battles” that we all face in life. One of the biggest battles, in my opinion, is the battle against self-doubt. It’s so easy to get caught up in negative thoughts and feelings of inadequacy, but the Bible reminds us that with God’s strength, we can overcome any obstacle. In Philippians 4:13, it says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse is a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our struggles. With God’s help, we can overcome even the most difficult challenges. This message is especially relevant in today’s world, where social media and the constant comparison to others can lead to feelings of insecurity and doubt. But the Bible reminds us that our worth is not determined by the approval of others, but by our relationship with God. We are all uniquely made and have value, simply because we are children of God. I believe that, in 2024, we can all strive to embrace this truth and find strength in our faith.
• Blossom Akalezi
‘Procrastination, poor time management, unhealthy habits’
What I will avoid in year 2024 are:
• Procrastination
• Poor time management
• Avoidance of unhealthy habits (Isaiah 40:29-31)
• Lack of accountability
• Lack of focus
• Negative self-talk (Isaiah 41:16)
• Lack of discipline.
• Keeping my friendship circle limited, lots of friends will not be helpful, it is complete waste of time.
• Spending time on the screen, rather than focusing on developing my skills.
• Stephen Victory
‘My paramount struggle lies in combating sin’
In 2024, my paramount struggle lies in combating sin. The Bible emphasises in 1 Corinthians 15:56 (NIV), “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.” As we confront the challenges of the year ahead, let us draw strength from our faith, recognising that victory over sin is the ultimate triumph, paving the way for spiritual growth and lasting peace.
• Arnold Akalezi
‘Evil thoughts, wickedness’
As a child of God, there are lots of things to avoid in order to be in tune with our God, who is the author and finisher of our faith. Just like we have in the ten commandments, given to us in the book of Exodus by God to guide us in our journey on earth for the kingdom of God. Furthermore, I would avoid bad friends, evil thoughts, wickedness, deceit, pride, foolishness and love for the things of this world.
• Victoria Okefe
‘Bad character’
We all know the saying, “New Year, New me”. Nobody wants to start a New Year with vices from the previous year. Change is a constant thing in life, so I decided that I would not allow bad character, acts and bad behaviours to follow me into a year that is supposed to be a supernatural year for me. I prayed to God to help me avoid all bad situations (2 Corinthians 5:17, Isaiah 43:18 – 19). In Conclusion, I have chosen to avoid all bad characters I have this new year.
• Owuamanam Christabel
‘Not delaying gratification; not ignoring my health’
Pursue success through patience, avoiding shortcuts and keeping goals private. Prioritise health, continuous learning, and effective routines on the journey to a great 2024.
Make your 2024 better and avoid these mistakes:
• Not delaying gratification
• Not ignoring my health
• Not stopping my education
What to do in this 2024:
• Be kind to whoever you see
• Don’t overlook opportunity Bible Passages on doing Good
• Galatians 6:9-10
• Hebrews 13:16
• Ojimmadu Sandra
