Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12–14
If the apostle Paul––a man who suffered so much for the cause of Christ––could always find room for improvement in his life, then so can we. Millions of people around the world have made resolutions to change something in their life for this year, and by now many of those resolutions have already been surrendered. There are several possible reasons for the failure of resolutions. Some resolutions fail for a lack of discipline. Many more fail because of a lack of foresight and planning. Others fail due to a lack of genuine desire or motivation to fix what’s wrong. While most people’s resolutions fall into the physical and material spheres, there may be some spiritual things that need fixing in our lives. This is a great time to reflect on these things and resolve to do better in the year 2016. This year, may we all truly “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
Resolve to eat better in 2016. Drink more milk if you need it to help you grow: “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2). When you are ready to build greater strength, however, look for solid food: “Solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:13–14). Resolve this year that you will not miss a single meal that is provided (Hebrews 10:25). Also remember that diet and exercise go hand-in-hand: “Bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). Spiritual knowledge is a wonderful thing, but only if we put it into practice in our daily lives.
Resolve to pay off debt and save for tomorrow. We are good at getting ourselves into debt. In fact, it is estimated that the average American with a credit card has at least $15,000 in credit card debt with an average interest rate of 15%! Man was also able to put himself in debt by reason of sin (Romans 6:23). The Lord promises to freely forgive our debt if we will forgive one another (Matthew 6:12–14; 18:21–35). Payment has been made for our debt, but we must apply that payment. If someone were to offer to pay off every debt you had, would you not graciously and eagerly accept such an offer? Jesus came to “taste death for every man” (Hebrews 2:9), but only those who are obedient will benefit from Jesus’ sacrifice.
Resolve to give up bad habits. Many have resolved this year to give up habits like smoking, drinking, and gambling. Addictions like these will destroy the body, the mind, and the spirit. We must be careful how we treat our bodies, because they are the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16–17). At the same time, let’s resolve to rid ourselves of the habits of laziness, procrastination, and any other weakness that might be keeping us from serving God (Colossians 3:8–10). Then let’s replace those bad addictions with some better ones―like the family of Stephanas, who “addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints” (1 Corinthians 16:15, KJV). Let’s take on good habits in the areas of Bible study, prayer, and worship.
Resolve to help others. Make an effort to visit the sick and the shut-in more this year. James says, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27). Jesus says that when we visit our brethren in their affliction in any way, it is as though we are doing it to the Lord Himself (Matthew 25:35–40). Make more of an effort than ever before to reach the lost with the gospel and to encourage your brother.
Whatever spiritual resolutions you have made, pray for God’s help, and keep your hands to the plow!