New Year's Resolutions

The year 2009 has come and gone, and 2010 is only hours away. Many are reminiscing over the past 365 days and trying to look forward to the next. Some of us are thinking about those things that we'll do different next year. We'll exercise more, manage our money more wisely, be kinder to people, read our Bible more often, and, gosh darn it, we're going to stick to a diet and really lose some of that stubborn weight.

This practice of making New Year's resolutions is a cultural tradition, not a Biblical one. (Note: New Year's resolutions actually go back over 3,000 years to the ancient Babylonians.) So, what does the Bible say about New Year's resolutions?

Well, there is nothing in the Bible that directly forbids them. There are, however, warnings about making promises that you don't keep- let your yes's be yes, and your no's be no (Matt. 5:37). It also cautions us about presuming about the things of tomorrow (Matt. 6:34). As grandma would say, we should be careful to not count our chickens before they hatch.

With that said, if you are making resolutions, I encourage you to do these 3 things:

1. Godliness First. You must keep your priorities straight. Don't go in debt buying that new treadmill or weight loss program, don't become a grinch or a tightwod just to manage your money better, etc. Remember, Titus 4:8, "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” Make sure to seek and commit to godliness above all else.

2. Glorify God. Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as for the Lord, not for men." If you are getting in shape to impress others or saving your money to flaunt your wealth, you are doing good things with the wrong motivation. Whatever you commit to, give the glory to God in it and stay humble.

3. Rely on Christ. Phillipians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Trust in Him to help you become a better person. Apart from Him, you will most likely give up and give in.

I pray as you seek a fresh start and commit to doing new and better things that God will mature and grow you into the man and woman of God that He has called you to be.

Celebrating the New Year Together,

Justin