VB105 Resolutions
Resolutions
[1Tim 4:8; Phil 4:13; Jn 15:5]
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 a fresh start and a new beginning. In reality, there is no difference between December 31 and January 1. Nothing mystical occurs at midnight on December 31.
I think New Year’s resolutions are good for one day. How many testimonies have you heard that began with a New Year’s resolution? Oh, well it was the thought that counted.
The Bible does not speak for or against the concept of New Year’s resolutions. However, if a Christian determines to make a New Year’s resolution, what kind of resolution should you make?
Common 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 healthy foods. How’s that working for you? These are all good 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.” The vast majority of New Year’s resolutions, even among Christians, are in relation to physical things. This should not be.
Christians make New Year’s resolutions to pray more, to read the Bible every day, and to attend church more regularly. These are good goals. However, these New Year’s resolutions fail just as quickly as any, because there is no power in a New Year’s resolution.
Resolving to start or stop doing a certain activity has no value unless you have the proper motivation. For example, why do you want to read the Bible every day? Is it to honor God and grow spiritually, or is it because you have just heard that it is a good thing to do? Why do you want to lose weight? Is it to honor God with your body, or is it for vanity, to honor yourself?
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, at least there is a chance for success, depending on your commitment. If it is God’s will for something to be fulfilled, He will enable you to fulfill it. If a resolution does not honor God or is not in agreement with His Word, you won’t receive God’s help in fulfilling the resolution.
So, what sort of New Year’s resolution should a Christian make? Well, let’s see, I could:
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pray for wisdom regarding what resolutions, if any, I should make;
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pray for wisdom as to how to fulfill the goals God gives me;
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rely on God’s strength to help me;
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find an accountability partner who will help me and encourage me;
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give God the glory instead of being proud or vain.
Sounds like basic goal setting from a motivational self-help book!
Even a railroad crossing sign will warn you to STOP and LISTEN! How about taking time to be with God? If we turn off our gadgets and noise makers, and just be still, we can hear His voice. Then if we obey the word we have heard, we will please the Father. Nothing else matters.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for another year. Help me to ignore worldly distractions and trust Holy Spirit to guide me through this upcoming year. I just want to do your will and obey your voice. Father, as I trust in your word, I know success will be mine, and I give You the glory as we go through this year together. In the Name above all names, amen.
Have a blessed new year — in Him,
