There are some who claim that the practice of making New Year's resolutions goes all the way back to the Babylonians. We do know that in 153 B.C. the first month of the Roman calendar was named after Janus, a mythical king of early Rome. Janus was the god of gates, doorways, openings, beginnings and endings. Because Janus had two faces, he could look back on past events and look forward to the future. Thus, Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions and the beginning of the New Year became the time for making special resolutions.
We all know that there is no magical difference between the last day in December and the first day in January. There is nothing mystical about New Years that will make it easier for us to keep a resolution. Still, we have just put the winter solstice behind us and we are beginning a new year; what better time to make a serious resolution to improve. Thus, there is also no reason what so ever to deter a Christian from making New Years resolutions. A resolution to improve is just that: a resolution. There is nothing pagan or heathen in making a New Years resolution.
Now, I will admit that a Christian's New Years resolutions will probably be somewhat different from a set of secular resolutions. The more common secular New Years resolutions are: lose weight, stop smoking, manage my money better, get a new job and get my life organized. These are all good resolutions, which primarily deal with the physical aspects of life. Paul taught us that we need to be on top of our physical needs but he pointed out in 1 Timothy 4:8 that it is more importance to focus on spiritual things, because they will profit us in this life and in the life to come. One would expect, therefore, to find a Christian's New Years resolutions to be more spiritually oriented than physical.
When it comes to making New Years resolutions, it would probably be profitable for a Christian to think on who they are, what their mission is and how they are to perform this mission. In 2 Corinthians 5: 7-8 Paul tells us that if any one is in Christ they are a new person; old characteristics have passed away and all things have become new. With this new person comes a new mission. Every Christian has one primary mission is life and that is the ministry of reconciliation. We are ambassadors for Christ. In 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 Paul tells us that each one of us must perform our mission to the utmost of our capability: gold, silver and precious stones. Our reward in heaven depends on how much effort and skill we put into our earthly mission. When we take the time to think about: who we are; what our mission is; and just how important it is to do a good job, it is much easier to put our New Years resolutions into perspective.
Knowing how the resolution will impact your walk with Jesus should help give you more incentive for keeping the resolution. It should also help us to remember that Paul told the Philippians that we can do everything through Jesus who will give us the strength to succeed. As long as we abide in the Word of God we know that Jesus will abide in us and He will be there to strengthen us. When it comes to making a resolution to improve, a Christian puts no faith in the time of year. We know that as long as God is the focal point of our resolution, and we walk with Jesus, we have the capability to succeed.
Christians can make New Years resolution that will succeed! Of course, we need to be making the right resolutions for the right reasons. Yes, I am sure God agrees with the need for our being in good physical shape and God does expect you to work and to be a good steward of your money. Asking God to help you with resolutions of this nature makes perfectly good sense. There are some other areas, however, that we might want to consider looking into.
How about resolutions to seek God's help in:
* getting more from studying the Bible
* being filled with the love of Jesus
* being in prayer more
* always being joyful
* seeking the wisdom of the Lord
* having a humble spirit
* relying more on the Holy Spirit to strength and guide you
Probably the most powerful resolution a Christian can make is to seek God's help in finding a spiritual partner or a spiritual group of Christians to work with. We all need the accountability and edification that comes from others as well as the opportunity others provide us for manifesting the spirit of Christ.
If you want to make a New Years resolution, or two, go right ahead and do it. Think about who you are, what your mission is and how important it is to do it well. Write your resolutions down. Seek God's help. Find mature Christian support. You cannot fail.