New Year’s Resolutions: A Christian Perspective 

The practice of making new year’s resolutions dates as far back as 2,000 BC, and history has it that it began with the ancient Babylonians. Although, their year did not begin in January, but in mid-March during the planting season at which time they made promises to pay their debts and return borrowed objects. This idea of making promises at the start of a new year is what birthed New Year’s resolutions. This post is about New Year’s resolutions from a Christian perspective.

While there is nothing wrong with making new year’s resolutions, research has shown that only 9% of Americans stick to their new year’s resolutions and in fact 23% of people quit their new year’s resolution by the end of the first week and 43% quit by the end of January. This is due to a variety of reasons including making new year’s resolutions to fulfill tradition rather than a genuine desire to change. Another reason is due to making new year’s resolutions without fully understanding what it takes to fulfill the resolutions. 

We see in the book of Acts 19:13-16 how the seven sons of Sceva proceeded to imitate Paul and his use of Jesus’ name to cast out demons without having a full understanding of the name of Jesus or the import of it. In the end, the man who had the demon overpowered, attacked, and wounded them such that they fled the place naked. 

Should Christian’s Make New Year’s Resolutions?

Before we examine a Christian perspective to making new year’s resolutions, let’s examine the meaning of resolution. 

The Meaning of Resolution 

The word resolution means to be resolute, that is, to be determined, and firm in the decision to do or not to do something. Such resolutions made at the start of a new year are often referred to as new year’s resolutions. And they’re usually a result of reflection and introspection of the past year and a desire to do better. An example of a new year’s resolution could be to eat healthier, exercise more, pray more, spend more time with family, spend more time with God, attend college etc. 

When to Make New Year’s Resolutions? 

Should we only wait till the start of a new year before making resolutions? I personally don’t think so, I think we can make resolutions all year round as we examine ourselves.  

The bible specifically instructs us as Christians to examine ourselves; 

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. (2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV) 

This directive to examine ourselves has no end date, it should be an ongoing activity, and as we do so, we are to course correct if we notice deviations from the faith. 

Related: How to Start a New Beginning with God 

What Does the Bible Say About New Year’s Resolutions? 

If you’re like me, you’ve probably wondered what the bible says about new year’s resolutions. While you may not exactly find the words “new year’s resolutions” in the bible, the bible encourages us to make resolutions through the power of the Holy Spirit and keep them. Below, I share 5 examples of people who made resolutions in faith and kept them. 

5 Examples of People That Made Resolutions in the Bible 

Daniel – He was one of the captives taken to Babylon by king Nebuchadnezzar and was chosen as one of the favored few to learn the tongue of the Chaldeans and serve the king. Daniel made a resolution not to defile himself with the king’s food and wine that was appointed to him as his daily provision. He chose instead to eat pulses and drink water. (Daniel 1:8-12) 

Another example of someone that made a resolution in the bible was Job. 

Job – In Job 31:1, Job said that he had made a covenant with his eyes not to look upon a woman, that is, lustfully. That was his personal resolution, a resolution he made with himself because he wanted to please God. It only came up because his friends questioned his uprightness. 

“I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman?” (Job 31:1 NKJV) 

Zaccheus – Another bible character that made a resolution was Zaccheus, a tax collector, and possible extorter. He resolved to give money to the poor and restitute his ways. When Jesus visited him in his house, he did not wait to be told what to do, because he knew the right thing to do. So, he immediately made a resolution to give half of his possessions to the poor, and to refund fourfold to those he had defrauded in the past. Luke 19:1-10 

Esther – She was an orphan brought up by Mordecai, a relative who adopted her as his own daughter, and she later became queen instead of Vashti. When Haman plotted to destroy all the Jews, and the decree was sealed with the king’s signet ring, it became a matter of life and death for Esther. She had to choose between keeping her peace and risking her life for her people. It was a precarious situation because by law, she could only appear before the king, her husband, if he sent for her, otherwise she’ll be killed. Esther chose the latter as she made the resolution to go to the king, damning all consequences. 

“… And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” (Esther 4:16) 

Ruth – She was another woman who made a resolution and did not renege on her words. I respect Ruth so much because it would not have been easy to leave her parents, siblings, friends and country and follow her mother-in-law to another country. If her husband was still alive, it would have made sense, but he was dead. Yet Ruth clung to her mother-in-law who had no more sons to give her. She made a life changing resolution to follow her mother-in-law, embrace her people and her God, and die where her mother-in-law dies and be buried there. Ruth 1:15-17 

What Kind of New Year’s Resolutions Should a Christian Make? 

If you look closely at the resolutions made by the five bible characters examined above, you will find a common theme. They all made resolutions in righteousness, and they relied on God to help them bring it to pass. Additionally, they were dogged in their resolution and followed through.  

Spiritual Growth: 

Aim for spiritual growth by setting spiritual goals for the new year. Such goals could be spending more time in the place of prayer, study of the word, or meditating on God’s word (Joshua 1:8). It could also be to read more books that would equip you for service to God.  

Relationship with Others: 

• Resolve to build stronger relationships with loved ones based on Christian values. 

• Forgive those who have offended you. (Matthew 6:15) 

• Practice giving to the poor and be generous as God grants you grace because blessed are you when you’re generous to the poor. (Proverbs 14:21) 

Self-Improvement: 

• Take care of your body, physically and mentally, knowing that you are the temple of God. (1Corinthians 6:19-20)  

• Be a good steward of the resources; finances and talents God has given you. (Mathew 25:14-30) 

• Overcome negative habits and addictions with God’s help. (Philippians 4:13) 

Related: Special Prayers for the New Year

How to Overcome Challenges and Stay True to Your New Year’s Resolutions 

Now that you’ve gone ahead to make some Christian new year’s resolutions, it doesn’t end there. Just as the bible tells us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12), you have to work it out. 

Realize that you will likely be tempted to abandon your new year’s resolutions, but rely on God’s grace, persevere and do not give up even if you falter.  

I have found that having an accountability partner such as a trusted Christian friend or mentor is often helpful as they will help to keep you accountable and encourage you as needed. 

Lastly, remember your why. Why did you make the resolutions you did? Your why will often motivate you to keep going.  

Conclusion 

It is not just enough to make new year’s resolutions because everyone makes them but understand the need for such in your life and prayerfully make them. As Christians, our new year’s resolutions should be rooted in righteousness and bring us closer to God. We should borrow a leaf from the accounts of people in the bible who made resolutions that glorified God. People like Daniel, Job, Zaccheus, Ruth and Esther to name a few. All these people made Godly resolutions and we can too. 

Finally, just because your resolutions are from a Christian perspective doesn’t mean that you won’t be tempted to abandon them or that you will not face spiritual attacks. So be prepared and ready to labor in the place of prayer to achieve your new year’s resolutions. And then give it time.