Many people have made or will make New Year’s Resolutions. Webster defines a resolution as: “a resolving, or determining; deciding.” For 2024, the Forbes Health/One Poll survey found that the top 4 resolutions were: improved fitness (48%), improved finances (38%), improved mental health (36%), and lose weight (34%). However, the problem with resolutions is that they tend to be forgotten within a very short time.

New Year’s resolutions often fail because people get discouraged when they don’t see changes immediately. Also, bad habits don’t change overnight and must be worked on with consistent effort over a period of time. The Bible teaches that rewards come to those who are diligent and not to those who are hasty (Proverbs 21:5).

I challenge you this year to make at least one spiritual resolution. Maybe it is to read the Bible regularly or go across the street and befriend and witness to your neighbor, or possibly to attend church habitually. Maybe the Lord wants you to get involved in a mission project. 2 Peter 3:18 exhorts us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

You can succeed this year if you resolve to:

1. Rely on the power of the Holy Spirit (Philippians 4:13).

2. Replace old habits with godly or healthy habits (Ephesians 4:22-24).

3. Become accountable for daily victory (Hebrews 3:13).

“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” (Prov. 16:3, NIV)