Did you know that the practice of making New Year’s resolutions goes back over 3,000 years to the ancient Babylonians? There is just something about the start of a new year that gives us the feeling of seeking a fresh start and a new beginning. Most New Year’s resolutions are commitments to quit smoking, to stop drinking, to manage money more wisely, and to spend more time with family. By far, the most common New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, in conjunction with exercising more and eating more healthily.
These are all great goals to set. However, 1 Timothy 4:8 instructs us to keep exercise in perspective: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” Many Christians make New Year’s resolutions to pray more, to read the Bible every day, and to attend church more regularly. These are fantastic goals. However, these New Year’s resolutions fail just as often as the non-spiritual resolutions. Resolving to start or stop doing a certain activity has no value unless you have the proper motivation for stopping or starting that activity. Philippians 4:13 tells us, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” John 15:5 declares, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” If God is the center of your New Year’s resolution, it has chance for success.
So, what sort of New Year’s resolutions should you make? Here are some suggestions: (1) begin by praying to the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5) for goals to set (2) pray for discernment as to how to fulfill the goals God gives you; (3) rely on God’s strength to help you; (4) find an accountability partner who will help you and encourage you; (5) don’t become discouraged with occasional failures; instead, allow them to motivate you further; (6) seek to always give God the glory. Remember as Psalm 37:5 says, “Commit everything you do to the LORD; trust in him and he will help you.”
In Christ,
Kurt