Daily Devotional: Tuesday, January 2 - Another New Beginning

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” — Ephesians 4:22-24

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A clean slate. No wins, no losses — the possibilities are exciting! A new day, a fresh start, another new beginning full of potential.

We all have another chance to get better as a professional, a player and a teammate. Most importantly, we have the opportunity to become better as a person. Make no mistake about it, your character will determine how far you go. Character is everything!

Warren Buffett, the American business magnate and philanthropist, says, “I look for three things in a person: intelligence, energy and integrity. And if they don’t have the last one, don’t even bother with the first two.”

Growing as a person is just like anything else — it’s a matter of your focus and your effort. Focus is a matter of attitude, which is why Paul said in Ephesians 4:22-24, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Basically, he is saying you need a new attitude to do the things necessary to be more effective in becoming all God has called you to be. Effort is all on you. You must constantly be aware that no matter what your goals are this season, the Lord is always more concerned with who you are becoming than what you are accomplishing. Make the most of every new beginning by remembering this, because He wants to use you for His glory.

— Jerry Birch, Cleveland Cavaliers chaplain

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