At the beginning of each year, we’re flooded with reminders of how we need to change. The gym’s parking lot is full, self-help books are promoted nonstop, and our social media feeds are filled with people’s grandiose resolutions for the new year. But, within a few weeks, the gym parking lot is empty, the self-help books are gathering dust, and social media posts testify to missed milestones and forsaken goals. New Year’s resolutions aren’t all bad, but neither are they a fool-proof way to pursue personal growth. So how should Christians approach them? Here are three things I think New Year’s resolutions get right and a few dangers they present.
1. They Can Motivate Personal Growth
New Year’s resolutions are helpful because they motivate us to pursue growth physically, socially, mentally, and spiritually. Throughout Scripture, we’re instructed to do all things to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31), both in our minds and bodies (1 Cor. 6:19–20), as well as in relationship with God (1 Tim. 4:7–10) and other people (John 13:34–35). And, as Christ-followers, we pursue lives of faithfulness “in view of God’s mercies” (Rom. 12:1), not seeking to earn favor with God or accomplish our own sanctification.
It’s important to remember that New Year’s resolutions—or the lack thereof—do not alter our righteous standing before God which is secured in Christ. Nonetheless, as we pursue faithful lives out of gratitude to God for forgiving our sins, we ought to “make every effort to supplement [our] faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love” (2 Pet. 1:5–7, 9).
Sanctification, or growth in holiness, happens by the power of the Holy Spirit. Setting personal goals can help us “keep in step with the Spirit” (Gal. 5:25), knowing all the while that “it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13). If it helps to use the New Year as an opportunity to embrace the invitation to pursue godliness, prayerfully consider the areas God might be calling you to grow in this coming year.
2. They Can Provide Structure
Many resolutions not only promote growth but also provide structure in our lives. If you’re committed to mental or physical growth, scheduling a therapy appointment or regular time at the gym can make a big difference. If you’re developing your relationships with others, scheduling regular times to volunteer, spend time with friends, or meet with a mentor will help ensure you follow through on your plans.
God ordered creation to have reliable patterns, rhythms, and seasons to reflect this character and point to his sovereign control and care. “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace” (1 Cor. 14:33), who is the “same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8). Colossians 1:16–17 explains, “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” As you create structures in your life, you are reflecting the orderliness of God, in whose image you are created.
3. They Can Lead to Developing Healthy Habits
As followers of Christ seeking to live faithful, godly lives (2 Pet. 1:5-7, 9), consistent habits are beneficial to our spiritual and physical health. Our habits matter as Christians! The Bible repeatedly reminds us that what we sow, we will also reap, whether for evil (Prov. 22:8) or for good (2 Cor. 9:6).
God designed our bodies to respond to the habits we practice. If we eat poorly, we might not feel well, or could even develop health issues. If we don’t get enough sleep, we’ll be constantly tired and unable to function well. Conversely, if we eat well and get sufficient sleep, that will fuel our body to maintain health and energy. This New Year, focusing on cultivating healthy habits might be a worthy goal.
Setting Goals in Faith
As you consider setting New Year’s resolutions, it’s easy to set unrealistic expectations on your time, energy, and resources. It’s also easy to look at others and get stuck in comparison, forgetting the work God is doing in our own lives because we’re so focused on others. New Year’s resolutions can also test our commitment and determination, making us want to give up entirely. In light of these pitfalls, remember that your personal and spiritual growth is not based on the success of your resolutions, but on the sufficient, completed work of Jesus Christ on your behalf. Praise God for the freedom he offers and the means he uses to sanctify, strengthen, and instruct us about who he is and how he has called us to live.
