New Year's Resolutions

The practice of making New Year's resolutions dates back more than 3,000 years to the ancient Babylonians. There is something about the beginning of the new year that makes us think of a new beginning, a new stage. There is actually no difference between December 31st and January 1st. Nothing mystical happens at midnight on December 31st. The Bible does not speak for or against the concept of a New Years resolution. However, if a Christian wants to make a New Years resolution, what kind of resolution should he or she make?

The most common New Year's resolutions are the determination to quit smoking, stop drinking, handle money more wisely, and spend more time with family. The most common New Year's resolution is by far to lose weight, along with exercising more and eating healthier. These are all good goals. However, 1 Timothy 4: 8 teaches us to keep physical exercise in perspective. "Because physical exercise is profitable for little, but piety is profitable for everything, because it has promise of this present life, and the one to come." The vast majority of New Year's resolutions, even among Christians, have to do with physical appearance. This should not be.

Many Christians determine to pray more, read the Bible every day, and go to church more regularly. These are fantastic goals. However, these resolutions fail just as much as non-spiritual ones, because there is no power in a New Years resolution. Being determined to start or finish a certain activity is worthless, unless you have real motivation to do or stop doing that activity.

Philippians 4:13 tells us: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." John 15: 5 teaches us: “I am the vine, you are the branches; He who abides in me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; because apart from me you can do nothing. " If God is the center of your New Year's resolutions, there is a chance for success, depending on your commitment to do so. If it is God's will for something to be done, He will help you do it. If a resolution is not to honor God or is not in accordance with the Word of God, we will not receive help from God to carry it out.

Psalm 37: 5-6 says, “Commit your way to the Lord, and trust in him; and he will. He will display your justice as the light, your right as the noon. "