When we approach a new year, many of us consider the idea of New Year’s resolutions. That’s not a bad thing at all. In fact, most resolutions are probably good things, but the reality is that most of us simply aren’t very good at keeping our New Year’s resolutions. After all, we all know that most resolutions are abandoned shortly after the year begins.
Another thing to consider as we are making a New Year’s resolution is whether what we resolve is really aligned with what God wants for our lives. That is what our life is supposed to be about, isn’t it? Honoring God! Living a life that brings honor to Him. At least that’s what Jesus taught, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment” (Mat 22:37-38).
I did a brief search on “New Year’s resolutions” and found numerous articles with titles like “50 Best New Year's Resolution Ideas For 2024”, and “65 Best New Year's Resolutions For 2024”, or “New Year's Resolution Planner: 50 ways to change your life in 2024”. What I found interesting, but not necessarily surprising, was that these articles and their suggestions for resolutions were nearly all “me” focused. One article from a local news station even listed the most popular resolutions:
1. To Save More Money- 59%
2. To Exercise More- 50%
3. To Eat Healthier- 47%
4. To Spend More Time With Friends/Family- 40%
5. To Lose Weight- 35%
6. To Reduce Spending On Living Expenses- 26%
7. To Spend Less Time On Social Media, To Reduce Stress On The Job- 19% (1)
Again, none of these are bad in themselves. In fact, there is no question that if I did all seven of the resolutions listed above, or even one or two of them, my life would probably be better. More than that, I don’t think that it would be inappropriate to say that God would probably look favorably on some, if not all, of these resolutions. The problem comes when we consider why we are making the resolution. And, by the way, we don’t have to call it a “resolution.” We can say “life change”, “new commitments”, “improvements”, “goals”, make up another term if you want. The important thing isn’t what we call the resolution, or, frankly, whether we make these decisions at the New Year or any other day of the year, what’s important is why we are making it. Is the reason to bring honor to God?
When we consider our resolutions, and really, every decision, in this light, it changes everything. Some of our resolutions will get tossed out and new ones will be added. Some of them may stay but our perspective about them will change entirely. And… this is a big AND…. they will have meaning and importance. Whether big or small, each decision has meaning and importance because it is targeted and brings honor to God.
Along with the meaning and importance comes a level of seriousness that takes deeper thought. If we’re serious about it, this sort of thing requires prayer. We should realize that keeping the sort of resolutions that bring honor to God require that we ask for His help. So, here’s my prayer, “Lord God, help me to love you more this year. Help me to love you with everything that I am. Only you can give me the ability to love you with every action, thought and emotion. When I fall short, forgive me God. Help me back up and keep me loving you more.”
I introduced this prayer last year in my post “Christmas In the Rearview.” Maybe you saw it then. Perhaps it was overlooked under the “Christmas” heading. Personally, I’m reconsidering this prayer as a covering for everything I do in 2024. Will you consider it? And, as I suggested then, it is a good prayer for every day. Just substitute “year” for “day.” I certainly need it. Each day we’ll move toward loving God more and fulfilling the Greatest Commandment.
With the covering of this sort of prayer, we can begin to look at the details of specific resolutions, commitments, goals, and decisions. And, in turn, pray for God’s direction, blessing, and help in fulfilling each one. Imagine all the things that will be done to His glory supported by the power of prayer in 2024!
With that, let me close this post with a simple two-part request. First, considered making a New Year’s resolution that you believe will bring honor to God. Then, pray about it and commit to it. And, if you will, share it in the comments to this post. Here’s the second part of the request: Pray as you see the comments, whether you’ve posted a resolution or not, that God would bless individual efforts to bring glory and honor to Him.
Thank you Dave. Really great thoughts on why I am doing anything. Praying to glorify God as I serve my mom in our home.