New Year Resolutions

New Year Resolutions

So many people go out and make New Year resolutions. New Year resolutions are a great thing, but how many people actually stick to it and follow those changes they want to make? Let’s look at a list of new year resolutions made by people this year:

1. Weight Loss/working out
2. Stop Smoking
3. Learn Something new
4. Eat Healthier and Diet
5. Be less stressed 
6. Drink less
7. Make a health appointment
8. Devote more time to hobbies
9. Visit a new destination
10. Help someone else (described: so it will make you feel better)

- All of these resolutions are not necessarily bad things. In fact many, if not all, are good ideas. However what us the common theme of these resolutions? - Self. Self improvement, making yourself feel better, satisfying yourself... you get the idea. As Christians, we need deeper and less self-centered resolutions. Resolutions that bring God all the glory! 1 Corinthians 10:31 says,  “So, whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” So what should a Christian’s new year resolution look like?

Sanctification- a firm resolution

- always an active (not passive) movement of my will to entrust myself to the Lord

Difference of resolutions with Christians and non-believers

- the Christian makes resolutions devoted to the Glory of God

- "I want to do something to bring God glory"

- not "I want to make myself happy"

Proverbs 28:13- turning from your sin/weaknesses

- Christian life is a Romans 12:1-3 sacrifice to bring God the glory

- We don't grow passively we grow actively 

- 1 Cor. 10 - temptation is common to men

Some good resolutions to consider:

- Resolve to not try and sanctify others (wife)

- Resolve to serve Christians in the church

- Resolve to believe God is good, wise, and sovereign when life is tough

- Engage in gospel conversations with people in my life

- Putting to death fear of man

A resolution to focus on...

- Resolve to softening our hearts while listening to the word

   ---Hebrews 3+4 - resistance to the word of God and hardness to it show that that believer was never changed

   --- those who put themselves in a pattern of not obeying God's word have their hearts hardened and therefor do not believe

-All these resolutions are Christ honoring and are essential for our walk with Christ. Not only do I challenge you to pray and actively engage in these resolutions but to also click this link and see these resolutions by a man named Jonathan Edwards when he was 19 years old.  Click here--> Jonathan Edwards Resolutions

Song of the day! Click here--> Take Me In- Kutless