
5 New Year’s Resolutions That Every Christian Should Keep
“And to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:24
2019 is officially over and all of us welcome the New Year 2020 with positive thoughts, clear visions and plans in mind. Hence, many of us are starting to fulfill our New Year’s resolutions such as focusing on themselves more, losing weight or improving their appearance. Though, these things are good and can improve our lives, but as a Christian, there are more significant things that we should focus and give importance in our daily lives.
Here are some New Year’s Resolutions that we should keep throughout the year with the help of our Lord.
Put God first in everything you do.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
Putting God in everything you do is important to fulfill your goals and plans. So, keep God the center of your life and commit your life to Him. Love him completely, give your heart to Him and everything else will follow. “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” – Matthew 22:37-38. Have faith in Him, serve Him, please Him and do the things that God wants us to do as a Christian. Prioritize Him in every aspect of your life and surely He will give the desires of your heart. “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6
Have a conference with God daily.
“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” – 1 Chronicles 16:11
There is fullness of joy in God’s presence, so take time to spend quality time with God daily. Seek Him through meditating His Words and praying continually. Filter your thoughts with God’s Word and write it in your heart. “Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God. Begin to build the sanctuary of the Lord God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the sacred articles belonging to God into the temple that will be built for the Name of the Lord.” – Chronicles 22:19. Read the Bible and other devotional books to keep your relationship with God stronger and deeper. “The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” – Psalm 34:10. Remember, God can only satisfy our soul and He can give us contentment, happiness and peace.
Find something to be grateful for every day.
“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” – Psalm 9:1
Have a positive view in life and find something good in each day. Start a gratitude journal and list down all the things that you are thankful and grateful for in life. Thus, keeping a gratitude journal can change your perspective in life and it makes you more happy. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17. You can also write your prayers down and express your love to God in your journal. Thank Him in all circumstances and tell all His wonderful deeds in your life. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be a trustworthy steward.
“For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.” – Titus 1:7-8
God blessed us with many things and beyond measure. So, let’s be a vessel of blessings to others too — share your blessings, help the people in need, volunteer and donate to your chosen charity. “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” – 1 Corinthians 4:2. Manage your finances well, spend wisely and don’t forget to give your tithes and offerings to the Lord. Be a faithful and trustworthy steward of God’s blessings and lay up treasures in heaven. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:19-21
Manifest the fruit of the Spirit.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Follow God’s will in your life and reflect the image of God through your actions. Manifest the fruit of the spirit — be humble, control your temper, forgive one another and do a random act of kindness to everyone. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2. Be the light and salt of this world and love others as Christ loved you. Comfort, encourage the people around you, share the gospel to everyone and let the love of God shine through you. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14
Thus, eliminate all your bad habits and attitude, be grateful always, don’t dwell on negative things and improve your relationship with God. Be faithful in serving Him, attend Sunday services and Bible studies on a regular basis, and continue to serve God throughout your life. And, let the Spirit of God dwell in you always!