As we leave 2020 and head into 2021, do we dare make New Year’s resolutions? After this year, most of us may be a bit gun-shy on committing to anything with any sense of certainty. It may be one of those years where we agree that the only thing we will be certain about is not being certain about anything.
Even though this past year left stains on the calendar, scars on the skin, and marks on the road, most of us will face a new year with at least hope for change. Some of us will even dare to look past the tough circumstances and actually choose to make certain resolutions.
If that is you, what do you need to know about New Year’s resolutions?
What Is a Resolution?
A resolution is a commitment you make where you determine to do better or make some kind of change in any particular area. In essence, you make a promise to put extra effort in regard to the subject or goal of your choice. Any area of life works as a possible resolution. You might choose to make a resolution concerning health, diet, perceived destructive habits, your schedule, various disciplines of life, relationship changes, educational goals, or spiritual disciplines.
Choose the Right Area for the Resolution
What are you interested in? What seems to be on your mind as you think about changes in a new year? Why is that the biggest area of concern?
In order to increase the possibility of long-term change, you need to pick an area of change that maintains your interest. If you do not maintain a high level of interest in seeing change, then the likelihood of change grows dim. Instead, if you choose an area where you really desire to see meaningful change, then the more likely it is you will carry your wishes through to produce long-term change.
Is there a particular area of your life that you know God would have you to change? As you have been reading your Bible and listening to your pastor teach, have you been convicted in a certain area? Has your spouse, a spiritual friend, a coworker, or someone else challenged you in a particular area? As you reflect on your life and situation, is there an area of your life where you would simply like to see change?
Know Your Audience for Your Resolution
As followers of Christ, we need to know to whom it is we make our resolution. Essentially, there are three options or variations of each. First, why is this important? The reason you want to know to whom it is that you make a resolution focuses on the Bible’s teaching regarding oaths. God expects your yea to be yea and your nay to be nay. James writes, “But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment” (James 5:12).
In other words, when you make a promise, God expects you to keep that promise. Therefore, if in making a resolution, you make it to God, or to someone else even, the expectation as a follower of Christ is that you will live up to your promise (Psalm 15:4).
Therefore, to whom are you making your resolution? Are you making a decision for yourself? Would you say that you are making a determination to do something internally to yourself? Or, are you making a promise to God. “God, this year this is what I am going to do…” If that is the case, you have much great responsibility to live consistent with your promise. The same applies to a spouse, friend, coworker, family member, fellow believer, or someone else. If you make a promise to them, your promise carries with it even great responsibilities for completion.
Know Your Motivation for Your Resolution
What motivates you to fulfill this resolution? Again, related to this issue, there are several key factors to consider. As is true in every area of life, the primary motivator for your resolution should be the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31; 2 Cor 5:9). Whatever we do, Paul teaches, we should do for the glory of God. This is the chief end of man and should function as our primary motivator for any resolution we make. Whatever it is you desire to do, this goal in the end must serve as a means to glorify God.
A key part of bringing glory to God includes becoming like Jesus Christ. Therefore, as you consider what motivates you to fulfill a certain resolution, you ask yourself how this particular resolution helps you become more like Christ (Rom 8:29; Eph 5:1-2; 1 Tim 4:12). Essentially, you determine how your resolution goal helps you function to become more like Christ in one or more areas.
As you think motivation, let me suggest one further verse for you to consider. As he describes life in Christ, the Apostle Paul provides a perfect concept for us to consider which relates to the entire idea of New Year’s resolutions. He writes, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:10). Here Paul describes for us the reality of daily living as a follower of Christ. Our lives reflect God’s workmanship. We strive to do more and better good works as a reflection of the work God is doing in us in Christ. We seek to be better, do better, and function better as those in whom God continues to work.
Know Your Resources for Your Resolution
Once you determine what you want and why you want it, what resources are available to you to fulfill your resolute goal? Let me suggest at least three categories of resources that you do not want to miss.
First, God gives you grace and power to obey Him and grow through the work of the Holy Spirit as you read and study the Scriptures. God strengthens you. He helps fuel the change He desires in you (Eph 1:19-23). As mentioned above, God works in you. Consider this great passage, “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Phil 2:12-13). God works in you.
Second, God provides you spiritual friends in Christ. As a member of the body of Christ, you enjoy a community of people just like you. God has given each of us the “one another” commands in Scripture to be practiced together. As such, when we do, we provide help and support for each other as we seek to tackle various goals in life which bring God glory, help us become more like Christ, and honor Christ. In this way, we each become part of the resources for each other in change.
Third, look for other resources such as blog posts, pod casts, books, journal articles, support groups, and other such help. Depending upon your chosen goal or area for needed change, you may look around and find much help through resources available at the community level. Search online, talk to friends, and seek out those who can help you along the journey.
Now to Get Started
One of my favorite quotes over the years reflects the idea of getting started well. Take special note of this principle: Change does not take place until change takes place. Paul Tripp helps us with this wise statement. He warns that we do not want to confuse insight with change.
In the case of New Year’s resolutions, determining a goal for the right reason may be very wise. As such, you demonstrate great insight. However, we must guard against confusing insight with change. You can demonstrate insight all day and night, yet, without actually doing something, you will not enjoy real change.
The immediate question you must answer after choosing the right goal for the right reasons focuses on “What is next?” In order to get started, you must do just that, get started. Getting started always begins with the first step, which is the next step.
As you do, may God receive the glory!
Image Credit Olya Kobruseva
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together
