Should Christians Make New Year Resolutions?

Hello 2017!

It has been a wonderful year so far. All 2 days of it. Of course, 2017 has only consisted of the weekend and an observed holiday off, but I could get used to this. If this is the set up for the new year, I’ll gladly take it.

If you’re like most people, you probably considered whether or not to make a New Year Resolution or two. Starting a new year has a refreshing feel because you experience empowerment and a clean slate. But what should the next year hold? What lessons do you need to learn from 2016? That answer could be different for all of us, but I believe that we all have some goals in common if we are Christ-followers.

As Christians, we might all say the stereotypical “pray more” or “read my Bible every day,” and while these are great things to do (and we should hopefully be doing), I think we can all dig a little deeper for a new resolution.

But first, I’d like to discuss the topic of whether or not Christians should even make resolutions. I know that some might argue that it is a secular idea to begin making changes by your own willpower, blah, blah, blah…Yes, they will have a likelihood of failing if you rely only on your own willpower, but who is to say that God can’t use any catalyst for His own will? I believe that all roads can lead back to Him, even if we make blatant mistakes. We just need to have a heart seeking Him. So, why not a New Year Resolution? It’s all about the heart.

So what are these deeper resolutions? If you choose to pray more and read your Bible more, good. DO IT. If you feel so led, that is a great way to make changes. But if you’re looking for something different, I’d encourage you to seek these out as we start the new year.

New Year Resolutions:

PRAY…for conviction. When was the last time you asked God to show you your iniquities? I mean the gritty feeling of sitting down and listing your sins and struggles. This is a very personal process, but I assure you, if you ask, He will show you. (2 Corinthians 7:9-10)

PRAY…for forgiveness. After you are sitting face-to-face with what God revealed to you, cast it away. Know that God loves you and you are NOT your sin. You were created in His image and you can be made clean. (1 John 1:9)

PRAY…for wisdom. Ask God where He wants you to be this year. Ask Him how you can serve Him. Ask Him to reveal to you, or guide you, to His plans. Even if you walk through them blindly for a while. (Ecclesiastes 2:26)

PRAY…for boldness. Ask God to give you the boldness to step out and follow His plans. Maybe you already know what those plans are. Maybe 2016 had those plans weighing on your heart and you waited in nervousness and worry. Ask God for the boldness to do His will in your life. (Deuteronomy 31:6-8)

PRAY…for peace. Pray for peace in your life so that you wouldn’t be left wanting more. Pray that you could be content with what you have and what God has provided. And pray that if you were to be seeking after anything, it would be God. (Hebrews 13:5)

This is a process that I’d encourage anyone reading to go over, and over, and over. Each time you go through it, you learn something new about God, yourself, and the world.

Whatever you choose to do for your New Year, remember that it is never too late to “start over” and choose to follow Jesus. He provides a much more fulfilling eternity than any resolution will bring.

Blessings in the new year!