Resolutions or Not?

New Year resolutions!

Did you make some?

How are you managing?

1 week of the New Year over and week 2 has begun and I would guess the reality is of course for most of us the fervour and whirlwind of great intentions is waning and inevitably we will not keep our resolutions for much longer if we haven’t already slipped. I think perhaps that is why I didn’t make any this year as I have done so in the past and failed!

When I told someone I had not made any this year they replied to me “Of course, you are a christian and christians shouldn’t make resolutions it’s not biblical”. Well I had never heard that view point before and as a christian I had made resolutions before so I thought I had better check to see what the Bible actually does say about the matter.

And for all Christians out there who have made new year resolutions, do not fear, making resolutions is biblical – maybe not at New Year though- but the principle certainly is. 

Various passages in the bible provide us good examples and reasons for making resolutions, such as Dan. 1:8; 2 Thess 1:11  Matt. 1:19; Acts 19:21; 1 Cor. 10:14–32; Col. 3:12–17; 

Of course you may have noticed the theme that runs through these few examples- resolve to live for Him. And any resolutions we make should glorify God and help us live for Him. 

I could list suggestions for you to do such as budgeting money and time, master the art of listening, be actively generous, start a prayer journal, read the bible in a year plan. All of these and more are good but I don’t want to presume to know what you need to change and resolve for 2018 but rather I pray you will let the Holy Spirit guide you in the challenges you could set for this year.

If you haven’t yet made any resolutions like me or if you have and maybe you’re struggling to maintain them, it's not too late to prayerfully consider resolutions for 2018. I have a couple of thoughts that may be helpful for you.

Be sensible.

Do we so often fail because we have these grand illusions or should I say delusions of attaining some kind of perfection?

As a christian my resolution should be in line with God’s Word helping me to fulfil any calling on my life and consideration of the implication of any resolution I make on other people around me is important.

Be dependent.

Too often we can be easily swayed by motivational quotes  like…”Tough situations build strong people” or  “If it doesn’t kill me it will make me stronger”   they look good, sound good and have some semblance of truth to them but they encourage pride and self reliance “I Can and I will”. The mindset I am to have is “I can do all things THROUGH Christ who strengthens me.” To turn a statement like “if it doesn’t kill me it will make me stronger” to “If it doesn’t kill me, by God’s grace it will make me weak and in my weakness He gives me His strength as I depend upon Him.”

Remember the why

Change is essential for us, it will impact not just our physical and emotional health but our spiritual health. Resolutions are not just goals we set to live a healthier and happier life but rather they help us live as we are called to live for His fame, to make know His Name, to fulfil our purpose to bring glory and honour to the Almighty God.