Resolutions. We make them. We break them. Then we trash the idea and come up with reasons why New Year’s resolutions are unbiblical. But before we go all sanctimonious, is there something in Scripture about the idea of resolutions that could be helpful?
While you won’t find any info about “New Year’s Resolutions” in Scripture, you will find lots of info about resolve. A quick search for the word “resolve” (or actually just the core letters “resol”) gives us an instant character study of four Bible people in various situations of resolve. Each situation gives us a worthy resolution to adopt. You’ll see below my distilled version of the various resolutions, but don’t let me have all the fun. Take a moment to reflect on the passages (verse references are noted) and create your own personal resolution from each situation.
Jehoshaphat Resolution (2 Chronicles 20)
I Resolve To: live a life that inquires of the Lord. I will make Him a part of my decisions and trust Him to enter into my situations.
Daniel Resolution (Daniel 1)
I Resolve To: not let my heart and mind be corrupted by the dirt (or food) of the culture. My actions will be different. I will not be taken in by things that chip away at our faith; I will trust God for the outcome.
Jesus Resolution (Luke 9:51-56)
I Resolve To: not take the easy, expedient way in walking with God. True discipleship will be costly. I will resolutely walk that path.
Paul Resolution (1 Corinthians 1:28-2:5)
I Resolve To: know nothing but Christ crucified. Everything about my walk with God needs to come out of my personal experience with Jesus’ crucifixion.
Download a small-group exercise HERE of this post.