Each December, as one year wanes and another beckons, a familiar scene unfolds: fitness centres bustle with new members, and social media brims with declarations of New Year resolutions. This annual phenomenon, steeped in good intentions, often prompts a reflection on the sincerity and value of these commitments, especially from a Christian perspective.
As a Christian observer, I find myself questioning the authenticity of these resolutions. Are they merely a societal trend, or do they hold deeper significance? In the Christian faith, where every season and time is to be lived wisely and obediently according to biblical principles, the concept of making resolutions can seem redundant. After all, God’s Word provides a comprehensive guide to living a life that honours Him. Why, then, do we feel the need to create our own list of resolutions?
Throughout my adult life, I’ve pondered these questions, and I invite fellow believers to join me in this contemplation. The Bible encourages us to serve others faithfully and glorify God in all our thoughts, words, and deeds. As Paul Washer powerfully states,
“The greatest command is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. You’ve never done that, and neither have I. But Christ always did that, think about that.“1
This reminder, rooted in Deuteronomy 6:5, challenges and inspires us. While I personally do not habitually make New Year’s resolutions, I strive to establish and adhere to daily priorities and principles that honour God. I pray for the Lord’s mercy, grace, and sovereignty to guide me in living out these principles for His glory alone.
Paul Washer’s insight on Deuteronomy 6:5 is a beacon as we navigate how to glorify God in our daily lives. As disciples of Christ, it is right to establish core priorities and principles that align with His teachings. Whether we formalise these as resolutions or not, it’s crucial to remember that our ability to maintain them depends on the Holy Spirit’s power. Our righteousness is a gift of faith, bestowed through Christ’s sacrifice.
Jonathan Edwards, at the tender age of 19, recognised his weaknesses and sinful nature. He set out seventy resolutions2, 3, aimed at living solely for God’s glory. His opening statement to these resolutions provides profound wisdom on how one’s resolutions can reflect God’s glory:
“Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat Him by His grace to enable me to keep these resolutions; so far as they are agreeable to His will, for Christ’s sake.” ~Jonathan Edwards.
Edwards’ words offer a template for crafting resolutions that honour God:
1. Being Sensible: Our resolutions should stem from a place of reason and reflection, aligning with God’s Word. They must consider the impact on ourselves and others, adapting as necessary over time.
2. Dependence on God: Recognising our limitations, we must wholly rely on God’s strength, as emphasised in scriptures like Ephesians 3:16 and Philippians 4:13.
3. Humbled by His Grace: Our approach to resolutions should be marked by humility and a deep appreciation for God’s grace.
4. For the Glory of Christ: Ultimately, our resolutions should align with God’s will, seeking to glorify Christ in all aspects of our lives.
As we embark on the journey of setting resolutions, whether at the beginning of a new year or at any other time, let us draw inspiration from Edwards’ wisdom. Our resolutions, rooted in faith and humility, can become a powerful testament to living a life that glorifies God.
References
1. “A Transcription of Paul Washer’s ‘2 Corinthians 5:21,’” November 25, 2017. https://reformedevangelist.blogspot.com/2017/11/a-transcription-of-paul-washers-christ.html.
2. Jonathan Edwards, “The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards,” Desiring God, October 6, 2023. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-resolutions-of-jonathan-edwards.
3. “The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards,” https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-resolutions-of-jonathan-edwards.
