First of all, what is a NEW YEAR RESOLUTION? New Year resolutions go back over 3,000 years during the ancient days of Babylonia. It’s a promise you make to yourself, usually the first few days of the new year, to start doing something good or stop doing something bad. Now, since Christians are human and not perfect, we too have room for improvement. Some of the same New Year resolutions that are non-spiritual, Christians use too, like setting credit and financial goals, losing weight, eating healthier, exercising more, stop drinking or drink moderately, quit smoking, stop cussing. Yes, I said it. Don’t look shocked or clutch your pearls. Again, Christians are human too and are not saints. We all fall short of something. But in addition to some of the non-spiritual resolutions, Christians might add: pray more, read the Bible more, tithe at least 10% of their earnings and increase the amount of their offerings, and volunteer more to help those in need, just to name a few.
Christians usually rely on co-partners to help them achieve their resolutions: God and His Word. They may keep certain scriptures handy as reminders that they are not trying to achieve these resolutions alone. Philippians 4:13 reads, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” John 15:5 reads, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” So Christians use the tag team method in hopes to accomplishing their resolutions and I say “in hopes” because a lot still depends on the Christian and what he or she does. Remember, God gives us free will. I think the blanket resolution that most Christians make, is to be a better all-around Christian in the new year than they were in the previous year. If you can do that, show some growth, I think God will be pleased. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
With Agape Love,
Willie Mae