Ten Biblical Thoughts on Our New Year’s Resolutions
Author: Stan Guthrie
January 11, 2024
Of the making of many New Year’s resolutions seemingly there is no end, but with 2024 now upon us, I’d like to offer some scriptural encouragement if you want to plunge in anyway. A resolution, at minimum, points to a desire to improve an area of one’s life or attain a goal. And at its best, this desire is profoundly Christian, as long as we remember that our works are good only when done for God and with His enabling power.
As the Apostle Peter said, we are to “make every effort to supplement [our] faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness.”
Studies reveal, however, that nine out of ten resolutions are abandoned quickly in America, and we Christians are just as susceptible to quitting. There are lots of reasons, including distraction and lack of discipline. Or, in the cold light of day, maybe they just don’t seem important enough to stick with.
So, I’d like to offer 10 biblical thoughts that can help us to focus on things that we know God cares about. You will no doubt think of others. They are not resolutions, but I hope they will remind us that our lives, and our resolutions, are in His more than capable hands.
Plans
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Whatever the New Year has in store, we can trust with our whole hearts that the Lord has the best in mind for us. His ways are above ours, and He will always give more than we can ask or imagine. There are no mistakes.
Truth
“But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no’ be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.” James 5:12
Oaths are not needed among God’s people because the standard is truth all the time. Our word is our bond. God never lies, and neither should His children.
Love
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27
The two greatest commandments stand. Love for God and for all who are made in His image should be the guiding motives in our lives. Ask yourself, “Does this resolution express or come from love?”
Training
“[F]or while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8
Physical fitness, improving one’s health, and a better diet are all excellent choices. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are accountable to God as stewards. But don’t forget Paul’s inspired observation that soul training is infinitely better. Do we show that we believe this by our actions?
Family
“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:22 / “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Ephesians 5:25 / “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Ephesians 6:1
Whether you are a husband, wife, or child, our heavenly Father’s word is crystal clear on the importance of family roles and relationships. (Note that women are not told to love their husbands. Evidently, this comes naturally.)
Word
“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11
We all know we should treasure God’s word. Actually studying, praying over, and being transformed by Scripture, however, requires effort. But the Holy Spirit will help us, and the payoff is incalculable. It also will keep us out of a lot of trouble.
Prepare
“[B]ut in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15
In a lost, confused, and broken world, evangelism and missions are essential. Let’s be prepared to kindly but forthrightly share our hope in the risen and reigning Christ with those who need Him.
Rejoice
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Sometimes joy comes to us unawares. Other times, we must choose it. But when we do, we will have it, no matter what life may bring.
Forgive
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
Forgiveness is hard. Unforgiveness is harder. May we live lives of repentance and forgiveness with one another, sharing the grace that God freely gave us in Christ, who died for His church so that we could truly live.
Expectation
“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Revelation 22:12-13
As we make our plans in this world, may we never forget—and eagerly anticipate—the second coming of Christ, who will reward us, punish unbelievers, and take His children home to the new heaven and new earth.
Stan Guthrie is minister of communications for New Covenant Church in Naperville, Illinois.
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