“A New Year’s resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other.”
Many resolutions start too late and end too soon. Only about 8% of the resolutions started are carried forward throughout the year. However, the lives of the 8% are better for it, depending, of course, on whether the thing decided upon is godly or not.
Many sources point to the practice of making resolutions at the beginning of a new year as originating in ancient Babylon. Supposedly, they made promises in order to earn the favor of the gods and thereby start the year off in a positive manner. Promises made to false gods for the sake of “getting” favor though, does not sound like a foundation for long term follow through.
The only true God — the God of the Bible — expects us to make resolutions throughout the year as we see the need to change. He expects us to come to firm decisions in regard to either doing or not doing various things based on His truth. That is why He corrects us in love. Solomon wrote: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; for whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights” (Proverbs 3:11–12). Because we know God corrects us in love, we are encouraged to respond in kind by repenting quickly out of love toward Him.
Part of the beauty of making resolutions or firm decisions spontaneously throughout the year, each time they are necessary, is that it keeps us close to the one true God. The Apostle Paul wrote: “And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him” (Acts 5:32). Christ, of course, dwells in His changeable people by means of His Spirit in them.
Coming to proper resolutions is also very encouraging in a believer’s life. Paul also said: “ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Knowing that Christ corrects us in love and gives us His Spirit when we are changeable can supercharge us with confidence in Him. Additionally, we are strengthened by His power in us so that we truly can carry out our conviction throughout, not just the year ahead, but the years ahead. And if we do stumble, and quickly repent, we can just as confidently forge ahead.
Our resolutions should come whenever necessary. And with Christ in us, they will not come in one year and out the other.
Marshall Stiver
