Should Christians make New Year's resolutions?

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." —Proverbs 16:9

A "resolution" is a determination to do or not do something. It's a plan for your future actions or ways of thinking. People have been making New Year's resolutions for 3,000 years—since the ancient Babylonians.

In reality, there's no difference whatsoever between 11:59 p.m. on December 31 and midnight on January 1. But the start of a new year (or month or week) does make us think about new beginnings and a way to mark a brand new starting line.

Resolutions for Christians

The Bible does encourage us to think about the future (Proverbs 21:5; Psalm 37:5). While we set our goals and make plans, it's important to include our Heavenly Father in the process. God is sovereign, omniscient, and full of wisdom, so His guidance is trustworthy (James 4:13-17).

Whether we want to stop a phone addiction, start reading the Bible more, or be nicer to our family, it's always good to make positive resolutions. We ought to focus on the things that improve our lives and relationships, and avoid any goals that are going to cause problems later. As you begin to focus on the coming year, look at each goal individually, and ask some self-examination questions:

1. What's my motivation?

"Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." —1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT)

Sometimes we do things so automatically that we forget to consider WHY we want to do the thing. Examining your own heart is a good practice whenever you're making a decision to change. Knowing our motivations are in a healthy place will help us value accomplishing the goal even more.

For example, while wanting to exercise is a fine goal, we must ask ourselves, "Do I want this for pure vanity or for overall better health?" Exercise can become an obsession or an idol if we allow it to take over all our time and attention (1 Timothy 4:8).

2. Am I being realistic?

Any goal we make is only as good as our ability to actually complete it. We've all made the mistake of getting in over our heads by over-committing or making impossible goals that are, in reality, only setting us up for failure.

Once the time comes to enact our resolutions, we may become overwhelmed or paralyzed with inaction because the feat seems too great. Making New Year's resolutions to pray more, read the Bible daily, and go to church every Sunday are all great, but if you're starting from zero, those prospects are going to look pretty daunting.

Start small and work your way up. Five minutes in God's Word at a specified time each day or just for three days a week is a good starting point. No one said you have to accomplish your New Year's resolutions by the end of the first week. They're your goals, so you make the rules.

3. Is my resolution God-honoring or self-serving?

"Take delight in the Lord,and he will give you your heart's desires." —Psalm 37:4 (NLT)

How do you know if your New Year's resolution is God-honoring? When we delight in the gifts of the Lord, then our desires will align with His. If a goal isn't God-honoring and/or it's not a part of the plan He has for you, your goal may cause more harm than good.

If you're not sure, then ask God if your goal is something He desires for you too (James 1:5). You can also ask for wisdom from trusted friends and family if you're having a hard time discerning what will be most beneficial to you, your life, and your relationships (Proverbs 12:15).

4. Am I willing to let God help me?

"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." —John 15:5

Ask God to show you how to accomplish those goals and what steps you need to take (Philippians 4:13). He may only give you the first step, but that's OK. You can trust Him to stick with you through to the end. If possible, look for an accountability partner to help cheer you on. There's nothing like encouragement from a good friend who wants to see you succeed.

If you are properly motivated and dedicated, and you are willing to allow God to be a part of the process of getting you to your end goals and accomplishing your New Year's resolutions, then your chances of success are going to skyrocket. You can't do it alone. God's strength and the people He puts in your life are what will keep you going when you're ready to give up.

New Year's Day is a great opportunity to start making positive changes for your life. But that doesn't mean you can't make plans and goals at other times of the year. You don't have to wait until January 1 or Monday morning or next month before you start. You can start TODAY. All you need is life in your veins and a determined heart that desires what God desires for you.

"Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." —Psalm 37:5-6