A New Year’s Revolution
Since the beginning of time, change has been constant. It can happen when you least expect it or can be voluntarily produced. It has always happened and it always will. It is true that some things never change, but the alternative can never be forgotten—some things always do and always should. Revolution is a branch of change. It is a total alteration or replacement of something. It goes beyond the basis of simply fixing or slightly modifying it; it is complete, and like the word “change,” it stops at nothing.
The customarily celebrated days of Christmas and New Years are two that seem to always have a steady impact. Every year is the same routine. Every December and January, we sing the same songs and cling to the same traditions. There is a consistency in the way these last and first holidays of the year are celebrated. Gift giving, caroling, plays, family dinners, parties, candlelight services. We all know the drill. Some find themselves caught up in the majesty of the lights and fireworks, while others reminisce on another year that has ended. After the gifts are unwrapped, the food is consumed, and the masses of shoppers have ceased, the realization of monotony starts to settle in.
Amidst all the different settings and upbringings, there is a certain stillness that takes place right after the merriment. Though the gifts might be different and there may be additions to the table, it is still the same “old song and dance.” It is rare that anything truly new is generated.
As the Christmas season draws to a close and the New Year approaches, many people start to establish their lists of resolutions they hope to accomplish. Anything from losing weight to teaching a Bible study can be found on these resolution registers. They are all plans to be instituted in the journey into the New Year, but these dreams and preparations are often replaced by the busyness of life. The declarations are often put off until tomorrow or a more convenient time that never seems to come. Resolutions are great ideas, but if there is no follow through, there is no point.
This is where revolution comes into play. There is no set date or time this transformation has to occur. It is not exclusive to the New Year, nor does it happen on a whim. It is something monumental that goes beyond a mere spoken resolution.
The old phrase “the shot heard ‘round the world was the start of the revolution” still resonates today. After all the commotion and disagreement, one single shot set the war ablaze. One screaming bullet, one man who fired it, and one army rose up to defend what they believed in. What if the revolution this world is in desperate need of started with one person, one youth group, or one individual who decided they would not be silenced until the needed change occurs?
This year, instead of making resolutions that are soon forgotten, let us make an effort to begin an unstoppable revolution like this world has never seen. The outcome is uncertain, the journey may be rough, but the change that is made will be worth it all. And the best part about this revolution is that it is limitless.
There’s a certain power inside people with passion—they seem to be unstoppable. There is something so captivating about someone who can be so broken and unsure yet choose to keep fighting and never give up; all because they know a change must take place.Whatever dream is birthed, whatever victory is hoped for, it can happen.
The journey begins with the first step into the unknown. The outcome could literally transform the world. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense, but that’s the beauty of it all. The uncertainty of the unknown is a driving force. There is no stopping the dreamer. Don’t wait until New Year’s Eve. Don’t wait until someone else makes the first move. The change is at your fingertips.
Go. Start a revolution that will bring Jesus to your world and bring your world to Jesus.
Rachel Thorne was born in Florida and has lived in many places throughout the United States. She is currently attending Urshan College, formerly known as Gateway College of Evangelism. She wants to make a difference and change her world. Rachel is actively seeking the will of God for her life and is willing to do whatever He has for her.