Post by: India Tungate
The week between Christmas and New Years always feels like a strange space. Some people enjoy the restful down time before hitting the refresh button on a brand new year. Others might have traditions they are still participating in with family and friends. And then there is the group of people who enjoy reflecting on the past year and setting goals for the next.
I am personally part of the group that plans for the new year. I like to set my personal goals and become as ready as I possibly can be for the upcoming year. I create a plan that I’ve set and prayed through intentionally. However I felt differently this week when creating my 2024 plan and it had me thinking about what the Bible says about New Year's Resolutions.
Usually resolutions made during New Years focus on bringing hope and motivation with making positive life changes. There is never anything wrong with that, however, as followers of Jesus Christ, shouldn’t the Bible guide us in setting our goals for the new year? Our New Year’s resolutions should always reflect God and His glory. But how do we make sure we are doing that? Here are a few pieces of scripture I allowed to help guide me into planning my 2024 new year's resolutions.
Taking care of ourselves spiritually, mentally, and physically:
Who else love’s Paul and his wisdom in the Bible? I often seek his books for some uplifting words of encouragement. One in particular that stands out to me is in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 when Paul writes, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
I'm sure you know that it is important to take care of our body, mind, and soul. But keep in mind that we must also do this by living a lifestyle that honors God. We can do this by making sure that we take the time to rest, move our bodies regularly, and engage in activities that nurture our relationship with God.
I find that reading His Word daily, praying regularly, and staying connected with our local church community helps me to grow in a relationship with God as well as takes care of my mind. Starting my day with what I call my "Jesus Time" helps me adjust to the daily stresses with better ease and I carry a sense of peace with me. Plus it's always good to have a community of people who are always there to encourage you and help keep you on a successful track.
I also feel closer to God when I practice discipline. I know that the word ‘discipline’ sounds like a harsh word but don't look at it in that way. Disciplining yourself in a Christian way is to take away something that is worldly from your life and focusing more on Godly things. Think of it as a way to fast. Taking care of ourselves spiritually, physically, and mentally can help us better steward what God has entrusted to us.
We must strive for excellence and righteousness.
Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
This verse is a wonderful reminder that we should always try and stay focused on the good things in life. Life can be hard at times. We all understand that it’s not always going to be rainbows and sunshine and neither are our thoughts. Our mind can sometimes crumble with the weight of life, allowing those negative thoughts to slide through the cracks.
When that happens, take a moment to breathe and allow Jesus to help you carry the weight so that you can then meditate on honoring God with your thoughts, motives, and actions. As a follower of Jesus, we must choose to be obedient by thinking about the right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy things in life.
It’s also good to remind ourselves of why God put us here on Earth. We were created in His image and with a purpose! And with everything we choose to do, we must seek Him first, always, and He will guide our journey throughout the new year.
We should serve others with love and humility.
Galatians 5:13-14, “For you have been called to live in freedom—not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature but freedom to serve one another in love… For all the law can be summed up in this one commandment; Love your neighbor as yourself.”
That is easier said than done, isn’t it? Well maybe not to some. I can love my neighbor more than myself but when Jesus said to love our enemies too, that one was a harder pill to swallow.
When we serve others with love and humility, no matter who it may be, it pleases God because He wants us to be more like Jesus. And what was something Jesus did best? He knew how to love and show compassion towards others. When making New Year’s Resolutions consider incorporating selfless acts into them!
If your resolutions are only focused on you, then you might need to reword them a bit to make them not centered on yourself but also help benefit others around you. By doing this, you might help someone around you come closer to Christ or call on Him as their savior because you were able to become an example of the Gospel in their life. How amazing is that?
Remember to leave the outcome up to God.
Proverbs 16:9 “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”
We can try to plan all we want, trust me I’ve tried, remember I’m a planner after all. However God will ultimately direct us along His chosen path which is ultimately the right path. That should comfort us when we feel overwhelmed or frustrated by life or if our goals aren't going as we had originally planned.
As Christ's followers, New Year’s Resolutions can be an opportunity for us to grow closer to God by taking steps towards living out an abundant life that He has planned for us. We should strive to focus on what’s true, noble, and praiseworthy by taking care of ourselves spiritually, mentally and physically while also serving others with love. So instead of spending this time writing down resolutions; try turning them into Jesus centered resolutions! Leave the results up to God; His will is more important than getting our way after all.
I want to pray over each of you that this year will become one of your best and that because of your yearly reflections and resolutions, that you are able to live in a way that shines the light of Jesus to the world. Happy New Year!!
Such a great post! Can’t wait to apply these to my goals in the future!