We have this fascination of resolving to be different in the New Year ahead. We all look for the New Year to bring some new resolve to make our lives better on January 1st and beyond. I offer you my thoughts on doubling down on the Real Secrets to Life and how Jesus lived his life by them.
LISTEN, READ, LOVE, FIGHT, BELIEVE, LIVE, and PRAY—the Real Secrets to Life. When I live by them life is certainly happier, I am more at peace, and feel more fulfilled. When I slip away from them, as I have done on occasion in 2012, I find myself lost in life. So, my resolution for 2013 is to double down on them, focusing on how Jesus lived his life by them. A life that was dedicated to saving us.
Jesus spent time LISTENIng for/to God, his Father. In LISTENing, Jesus understood his unique purpose in life. You too have a unique, special purpose that you either already know or don’t, depending how much time you take LISTENing for/to God. Start the New Year by simply making time for God in your life. You won’t hear him if you don’t make the time.
Jesus knew scripture, and used it to teach and set example. His life added to scripture because he was the living Word of God. READing the Word is so important because it is God’s handbook on life for us.
Jesus’ entire life can be summed up in one simple word—LOVE. Jesus lived his life so that he could save ours. His one command to us was to LOVE and Jesus showed by example that giving ones life is the highest expression of LOVE.
Jesus showed us how to FIGHT the devil, starting with his famous confrontation in the desert. We need to be aware of the reality of living evil and FIGHT it.
Jesus’ entire life was built on the foundation of his faith and he taught us that we can do anything if we don’t doubt but BELIEVE.
Jesus rose from the dead to show us that this life is only a brief opening act to eternity. We need to LIVE life knowing that an entirely new life awaits. That doesn’t mean to retreat from this world, but instead make it better, as Jesus did.
Jesus not only taught us how to PRAY but he set an example of PRAYing and doing it often.
We make life so very, very complicated, especially as we grow older. There is a reason why Jesus tells us to be like little children and to be reborn. We need to shed complexity by living more in simplicity—like little children.
Living my life by seven simple little words—LISTEN, READ, LOVE, FIGHT, BELIEVE, LIVE, and PRAY—is my key to simplicity. I need to double down on those seven simple words in 2013, actually starting today.
I hope this helps you and I wish you the very best for 2013. May you be happy, at peace, and fulfilled.
The Real Secrets to Life™ 
Love the 7 words! They really hit the nail on the head. If all believers really focused on these, what a difference we could make in the world. Thanks for the great post.
Thank you, Shelly! Just trying to help. Blessings for a wonderful New Year.
Ted