Every year, I make the same resolution: better posture. I’m naturally a sloucher, slumper, and leaner, so every January 1, I renew my resolve to carry myself a little bit taller. For me, cultivating good posture becomes especially difficult when I just want to relax. It’s easy to lift my head and square my shoulders when I’m walking down the street or standing up to speak to a group of women; it’s hard when I’m tired and would rather sprawl on the couch than sit up straight.

In a recent article, Holly Mackle urges us to think carefully about a different area where we are often tempted to let our conduct slide. When laughing with friends, we might imagine it’s fine to temporarily shrug off our resolve to act like followers of Christ, but Holly urges us to pay attention to our heart’s posture, expressing humor that doesn’t “reduce someone to a punchline” but instead “elevates others over self,” leading to joy that is truly restorative.

In 2020, whether you are scrolling social media or feeling frustrated by your work, be encouraged that practicing good spiritual posture will put you in the best position to rest fully in the grace of Christ.

Happy New Year,