New Year's Resolutions?
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Welcome to 2024! What happens every January? New Year’s Resolutions!
The New Year gives us time to reflect on what we’ve done and not done, what we’ve accomplished and what we’ve let slip away again, and on who and what we want to be.
Here are some facts about New Year’s resolutions.
- 38% of adults in the U.S. make resolutions at the New Year but only 9% stick to them all year long.
- 23% give up on their resolutions before January 7th and another 80% of resolutions are abandoned before February 1st.
- Improving one’s fitness (39%) and dieting (33%) are the two most common resolutions, with financial goals bringing up third place at 30%.
- Friday is the day of the week that most people give up on their resolutions.
What does the Bible say about New Year’s resolutions? Well, nothing. That doesn’t mean that God’s Word has nothing to say about examining our lives and making improvements. In Psalm 17:3, David resolved to keep his mind and heart pure.
“You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong. I am determined not to sin in what I say.”
Paul wrote to the church in Philippi telling them why he pressed so hard to meet his goal of living for Christ:
“I have not yet reached my goal, and I am not perfect. But Christ has taken hold of me. So I keep on running and struggling to take hold of the prize.”
So, why do we fail so often as we set goals for our “New Year”? Well, first, our resolution is less a commitment than it is a wish or hope, and too often our goals aren’t realistic. After a few years of inattention, we find ourselves 40 pounds over the weight we’d like to be. So, we decide to lose the weight in one year that it took us ten years to gain. We might resolve to save more money when what we really need to do is pay off debt so that four years from now we have more money that we can save.
The real problem, though, is with ourselves; it’s within our minds and hearts. On our own, we are weak in both character and will, selfish and self-focused. In short, we are sinners. The Apostle Paul had the same problem. He said this in his letter to the church in Rome.
“And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t.”
The solution is to turn away from ourselves and turn to Christ. We need to confess our sins and turn our minds to what He wants for us. We need to ask him to help us be the person we want to be, and then trust daily in him, allowing him to lead our lives. This is the victory Paul claimed.
“Christ gives me the strength to face anything.”
Personal growth is a great thing. So, first, set realistic goals. Take them to God and ask him to help you. Do this daily. Second, find a friend to help keep you accountable and to help encourage you. Third, keep your goals to one spiritual goal (I will read my Bible for fifteen minutes every day, at least four days a week), and one growth goal (I will lose weight, 18 pounds, 1.5 pounds per month).
Celebrate weekly and monthly as you continue to keep your resolutions. When you miss a day or week, that’s okay. Pray, confess, and return to your path. Give yourself grace as you grow into the new you.
Blessings and Happy New Year,
Pastor Tony
