It’s that time of year again.
People often resolve to lose weight, exercise more, manage their finances better, quit smoking, save for the future, and prioritize time with family.
These decisions stem from a desire to change our situations and enhance our quality of life. Typically, many resolutions focus on three main areas: money, health, and family.
But what would a set of New Year’s resolutions look like for you and your family? Perhaps reflecting on your role as a leader, or maybe just someone who aims to engage more deeply in life?
What if some of these resolutions were inspired by Biblical teachings?
While you can certainly add your own ideas, here are 15 to think about.
1. Pray more.
As said, “This is the word of the Lord… Not by might or power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6)
2. Work on your spiritual gifts.
“Do not neglect your gifts, which were given through prophecy when the elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them.” (1 Timothy 4:14-15)
3. Be intentional about evangelism.
“I have become all things to all people so that some might be saved.” (1 Corinthians 9:22)
4. Attend to your spiritual well-being.
“I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12)
5. Make the tough calls you know are right.
“I am compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen there, except that hardships await me. However, my mission is to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:22-24)
6. Confront sin patterns.
“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1)
7. Put effort into building your community.
“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you.” (Matthew 18:15)
8. Stay connected to the culture around you.
“The tribe of Issachar understood the times and knew what Israel should do.” (1 Chronicles 12:32)
9. Avoid comparing yourself to others.
“Jesus said, ‘What is that to you? You follow me.’” (John 21:22)
10. Read more.
“Timothy, do your best to come quickly… and bring my scrolls.” (2 Timothy 4:9, 13)
11. Prioritize family.
A leader must be devoted to his wife and attentive to his children. How can one who doesn’t care for his own family care for God’s church? (1 Timothy 3:2-5)
12. Don’t use ministry for personal gain.
“Do not seek great things for yourself.” (Jeremiah 45:5)
13. Love people, not just crowds.
“If I have not love, I gain nothing. Without love, any accomplishment is meaningless.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
14. Be open to change.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19)
15. Stay focused on your vision.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship… and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42-47)
Happy New Year!
