Real Resolutions for the New Year
10 Real Resolutions for a Transformed Life
As we step into a new year, many of us find ourselves making resolutions - promises to ourselves about how we'll improve our lives in the coming months. But how often do these resolutions stick? What if, instead of surface-level changes, we committed to real, lasting transformation?
Let's explore 10 powerful resolutions that can truly change our lives and deepen our faith:
1. Laugh More
"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones." (Proverbs 17:22)
In a world that often feels heavy, laughter can be a balm for our souls. It's not about ignoring life's challenges, but finding joy even in the midst of them. When we learn to laugh at ourselves and find humor in everyday moments, we open ourselves up to a lighter, more joyful existence.
2. Start a Hobby
Life isn't meant to be all work and no play. Hobbies give us a chance to breathe, to be creative, and to connect with ourselves and others in new ways. Whether it's woodworking, hiking, painting, or learning a new language, find something that brings you joy and helps you unwind.
3. Make Memories with Your Family
In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and forget to create lasting memories with our loved ones. Remember, it's not about perfection or elaborate plans - sometimes the simplest moments become the most cherished memories. A backyard campout, a spontaneous road trip, or even a game night can become treasured experiences that bind families together.
4. Be a Good Friend
We all need people in our lives who will stand by us through thick and thin. But to have good friends, we must be good friends. This means being faithful, supportive, and willing to speak the truth in love. It's about being present, noticing when someone is struggling, and reaching out with encouragement and care.
5. Exercise
Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and taking care of them is an act of stewardship. Exercise isn't just about physical health - it can improve our mood, reduce stress, and even enhance our creativity. Whether it's a daily walk, a fitness class, or a home workout routine, find a way to move your body regularly.
6. Plug into a Local Church
Church isn't just a place to go - it's meant to be who we are as the body of Christ. When we truly plug into a local church, we find opportunities to serve, to be challenged, and to grow in our faith. It's about moving beyond surface-level attendance to deep, meaningful engagement with other believers.
7. Serve Others
Jesus said, "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). When we shift our focus from ourselves to serving others, we often find that our own problems seem smaller. Serving isn't just about what we do for others - it's about allowing God to work through us and transform us in the process.
8. Begin an Active Prayer Life
Prayer is one of our most powerful tools, yet it's often underutilized. Colossians 4:2 encourages us to "devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." This year, commit to developing a consistent prayer life. Set aside specific times and places for prayer, use Scripture as a guide, and don't forget to listen - sometimes the most powerful moments in prayer come when we're silent before God.
9. Spend Time in the Word
"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).
The Bible isn't just a book - it's living and active, with the power to transform our lives. Make a commitment to regular Bible reading this year. Even if you don't always feel like you're getting something out of it, trust that God's word never returns void. It may be working in ways you don't even realize.
10. Go All-In on Following Jesus
This is the ultimate resolution - to surrender everything to Jesus. It's about loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, as Jesus commanded in Matthew 22:37. Going all in means allowing God to have control over every aspect of our lives - our finances, our relationships, our decisions, everything.
As we consider these resolutions, it's important to remember that transformation doesn't happen overnight. It's a process, often filled with two steps forward and one step back. The key is to keep moving forward, relying not on our own strength, but on God's power working within us.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that we don't have to tackle all of these at once. In fact, trying to do so might set us up for failure. Instead, prayerfully consider which one or two areas God is calling you to focus on right now. Ask Him to show you where you need to grow, where you need to surrender, where you need to step out in faith.
Remember the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 73. After struggling with feelings of envy and frustration, he enters God's sanctuary and gains a new perspective. He realizes that even when life seems unfair or difficult, there is hope in God. "But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge" (Psalm 73:28).
As we embark on this new year, let's commit to drawing near to God. Let's resolve to live lives that are fully surrendered to Him, trusting that He is working all things for our good and His glory. May we be people who laugh more, love deeper, serve wholeheartedly, and follow Jesus with everything we have.
What resolution is God calling you to make this year? How might your life look different if you truly went all in on following Jesus? Take some time to reflect, to pray, and to listen. Then, with God's help, take that first step towards a transformed life.
As we step into a new year, many of us find ourselves making resolutions - promises to ourselves about how we'll improve our lives in the coming months. But how often do these resolutions stick? What if, instead of surface-level changes, we committed to real, lasting transformation?
Let's explore 10 powerful resolutions that can truly change our lives and deepen our faith:
1. Laugh More
"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones." (Proverbs 17:22)
In a world that often feels heavy, laughter can be a balm for our souls. It's not about ignoring life's challenges, but finding joy even in the midst of them. When we learn to laugh at ourselves and find humor in everyday moments, we open ourselves up to a lighter, more joyful existence.
2. Start a Hobby
Life isn't meant to be all work and no play. Hobbies give us a chance to breathe, to be creative, and to connect with ourselves and others in new ways. Whether it's woodworking, hiking, painting, or learning a new language, find something that brings you joy and helps you unwind.
3. Make Memories with Your Family
In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and forget to create lasting memories with our loved ones. Remember, it's not about perfection or elaborate plans - sometimes the simplest moments become the most cherished memories. A backyard campout, a spontaneous road trip, or even a game night can become treasured experiences that bind families together.
4. Be a Good Friend
We all need people in our lives who will stand by us through thick and thin. But to have good friends, we must be good friends. This means being faithful, supportive, and willing to speak the truth in love. It's about being present, noticing when someone is struggling, and reaching out with encouragement and care.
5. Exercise
Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and taking care of them is an act of stewardship. Exercise isn't just about physical health - it can improve our mood, reduce stress, and even enhance our creativity. Whether it's a daily walk, a fitness class, or a home workout routine, find a way to move your body regularly.
6. Plug into a Local Church
Church isn't just a place to go - it's meant to be who we are as the body of Christ. When we truly plug into a local church, we find opportunities to serve, to be challenged, and to grow in our faith. It's about moving beyond surface-level attendance to deep, meaningful engagement with other believers.
7. Serve Others
Jesus said, "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). When we shift our focus from ourselves to serving others, we often find that our own problems seem smaller. Serving isn't just about what we do for others - it's about allowing God to work through us and transform us in the process.
8. Begin an Active Prayer Life
Prayer is one of our most powerful tools, yet it's often underutilized. Colossians 4:2 encourages us to "devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." This year, commit to developing a consistent prayer life. Set aside specific times and places for prayer, use Scripture as a guide, and don't forget to listen - sometimes the most powerful moments in prayer come when we're silent before God.
9. Spend Time in the Word
"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).
The Bible isn't just a book - it's living and active, with the power to transform our lives. Make a commitment to regular Bible reading this year. Even if you don't always feel like you're getting something out of it, trust that God's word never returns void. It may be working in ways you don't even realize.
10. Go All-In on Following Jesus
This is the ultimate resolution - to surrender everything to Jesus. It's about loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, as Jesus commanded in Matthew 22:37. Going all in means allowing God to have control over every aspect of our lives - our finances, our relationships, our decisions, everything.
As we consider these resolutions, it's important to remember that transformation doesn't happen overnight. It's a process, often filled with two steps forward and one step back. The key is to keep moving forward, relying not on our own strength, but on God's power working within us.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that we don't have to tackle all of these at once. In fact, trying to do so might set us up for failure. Instead, prayerfully consider which one or two areas God is calling you to focus on right now. Ask Him to show you where you need to grow, where you need to surrender, where you need to step out in faith.
Remember the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 73. After struggling with feelings of envy and frustration, he enters God's sanctuary and gains a new perspective. He realizes that even when life seems unfair or difficult, there is hope in God. "But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge" (Psalm 73:28).
As we embark on this new year, let's commit to drawing near to God. Let's resolve to live lives that are fully surrendered to Him, trusting that He is working all things for our good and His glory. May we be people who laugh more, love deeper, serve wholeheartedly, and follow Jesus with everything we have.
What resolution is God calling you to make this year? How might your life look different if you truly went all in on following Jesus? Take some time to reflect, to pray, and to listen. Then, with God's help, take that first step towards a transformed life.
Posted in Sermon Articles