Redemptive Resolutions
New year, new me. That is what they say, and in a way there is something honorable about resolving to be better. When the new year comes, we are quick to commit to behaviors that will hopefully make us happier and healthier. We try to develop habits and routines that result in better versions of ourselves.
There is nothing inherently “bad” about these desires, but I wonder what would happen if our New Year’s resolutions were Spirit-led convictions. How often do we ask God to reveal within us ways that we can strive to be more like Him? What if our resolutions recognized God’s call for our lives and not our own desires? I am not saying that God does not desire for us to be healthy, and He surely does not become angry at our effort to increase happiness, but I think we often miss our call towards holiness. Our resolutions as Christians should resonate with sanctification. The things we desire and the habits we commit ourselves to need to be in line with the heart of God. What if our resolutions communicated more than just self-improvement and communicated a commitment towards spiritual sanctification? Do not miss the opportunity to resolve to be holy. Before we make our goals, it is crucial that we pause and align our priorities and intentions with God’s desires. In what way is God calling you towards holiness?
Many who make resolutions in the new year often fail to uphold them, retreating back to old habits and “comfort zones.” The same temptation falls on those who pursue righteousness. Though we may stumble, we must not become discouraged and retreat from our call towards holiness. If anything, out of all our resolutions, our resolve towards holiness brings results that extend even past this life. Let us not get caught up working on things that will only bring temporary pleasure, but rather let us hold our resolutions to an eternal perspective that we may gain confidence and character that will sustain our faith, not earthly fame.
If we begin to make redemptive resolutions, God will reveal to us the way of the righteous. Our call to be holy does not expire. Each day that the sun rises is a day to commit our thoughts and actions to the Lord. We are called into sanctification. We are called to be holy. What we must come to understand is that the “new me” that comes from a new year is pale in comparison to the “new me” that is born through Christ.
So what do we do? Psalm 37:5 states, “Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you” (NLT). This is where we need to start. We must first make a commitment and simultaneously trust and believe that God will give us the necessary strength and the discipline. Similarly, Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (NASB). We do not have to be perfect or prepared to commit to holiness because it is not by our own power that we achieve holiness. Holiness is a work done within us through cooperation with the Spirit and trust in the Lord. How powerful would it be to commit to patterns and postures that invite holiness into our lives? This year I want us to reconsider our resolutions. As you do so, let these questions guide you as you rethink what God is calling you to do in this new year:
Is this goal holy and pleasing to God? (Romans 12:2)
Will this goal help me understand more about God? (2 Peter 3:18)
Will this goal make me more like Christ? (1 Peter 2:21)
How will this goal draw me closer to God and invite my heart to worship Him? (James 4:8)
While this new year may also bring a variety of anxieties, challenges, or seasons of success, we must rest in the knowledge that God is with us and working in us through it all. Let these last verses, from Lamentations, be a reminder and encouragement as you are led by the Spirit into holiness. May we know the love of the Lord and be challenged and transformed by Him in this year.
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)
