As we stand at the threshold of a new year, many people reflect on their lives, reassess their priorities, and reset their goals. It’s common to consider starting fresh, whether by deleting old habits or establishing new ambitions.

One of the key elements in this process is perspective, especially the way we speak to ourselves. What we say about ourselves and our lives plays a significant role in shaping our outlook. People are undoubtedly contemplating their goals and the direction they wish their lives to take in the upcoming year.

Before diving into these ambitions, it’s important to consider the foundation that will guide your life, particularly as a Christian. In 1 Peter, a practical and powerful book in the New Testament, we find essential insights that help shape our Christian perspective. This letter addresses the way we view ourselves and our identity in Christ, which is fundamental to living out God’s purpose for our lives.

I encourage you to revisit 1 Peter, especially as we enter a new year, as it provides valuable teachings to shape the Christian perspective on life. For years, I’ve been reflecting on these truths, and they remain integral to my understanding of living faithfully.

Here’s a key principle: remember who owns you. In 1 Peter 1:18-21, it says that you were redeemed, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ. Through Him, you’ve become believers in God. You are owned by God because He purchased you with His own blood, as confirmed in Acts 20:28 and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

As Christians, we are chosen by God, not only to be His possession but also to belong to Christ. This reality shapes how we view our lives—we are not our own, but God’s. This understanding is crucial as we navigate our daily lives and decisions, reminding ourselves that we belong to God and are called to live according to His will.

This truth is foundational: we are not the masters of our fate; we belong to God. Embracing this reality may involve letting go of personal ambitions, but it also comes with the promise of God’s guidance and love as we align ourselves with His purpose.