Every year, there are lists of the “Top Ten New Year’s Resolutions.” They rarely change: lose weight, exercise more, save money, reduce stress, etc. There is nothing inherently wrong with these goals, but have you noticed they are usually self-centered and focused on temporary physical things rather than eternal ones?
Many people obsess over improving their aging and decaying physical bodies, while completely neglecting their souls that will exist forever. God says that bodily exercise has limited benefits, but godliness is profitable in every way (1 Tim. 4:8).
There is also often an implied confidence that we will all live through the next year, when the truth is that “ye know not what shall be on the morrow” (Jam. 4:14). “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” (Prov. 27:1). Planning is not condemned, but planning without considering God is (Lk. 12:18-20; Jam. 4:13-17). Many resolutions fail because they are built on the assumption that tomorrow is guaranteed and that man is in complete control. We all could say what Isaac said: “I know not the day of my death” (Gen. 27:2), and the Lord could return at any time (Mt. 24:37-39; 1 Thess. 5:1-3; 2 Pet. 3:9-11).
Even resolutions that sound noble are usually focused on personal comfort or self-fulfillment rather than pleasing God or serving others. Often when God is mentioned, He is treated as a tool to achieve personal goals rather than the One to be obeyed and pleased. The problem is not that people want to improve themselves, but that they most often prioritize the wrong things.
Instead of focusing on what fades, consider resolutions that invest in what lasts forever:
1. Be right with God by obeying the Gospel of Christ (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:36-41; 8:35-39; 22:16).
2. If already a child of God, repent of sin and live faithfully (Acts 8:22-24; 1 Jn. 1:6-2:6).
3. Always put God first, not simply when convenient (Mt. 6:33; 22:36-38; Rev. 2:10).
4. Assemble and worship faithfully with the Lord’s church (Jn. 4:23-24; Acts 20:7; Rom. 16:16-17; Eph. 5:19-20; Heb. 10:23-25).
5. Study the Word of God regularly and carefully (Acts 17:11; 2 Tim. 2:15).
6. Pray with reverence and purpose (Lk. 18:1; Jam. 5:16).
7. Live a holy, disciplined life (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Pet. 1:13-17).
8. Control words used, including online (Mt. 12:36-37; Jam. 1:26; Eph. 4:29).
9. Serve others and teach the Gospel (Mt. 22:39-40; 25:34-46; 28:19-20; Gal. 6:2, 10; Php. 2:3-5).
10. Live with eternity in view (Mt. 16:26; 2 Cor. 4:18; Heb. 9:27).
If time continues, a year from now, our bodies will be older and closer to eternity, no matter what we do. Bank accounts may rise or fall, but investment in eternity will profit us forever (Mt. 6:19-21). If God is first in our plans and we live by His Word, our resolutions will result in renewed life and resurrection.