What Does The Bible Say About
Making New Year's Resolutions?
By: Wanda L. Ball
Celebrating New Year's started in March around 2000 B.C. with the ancient Babylonians. The the
beginning of the year in 153 B.C. The date was unusual because it had no agricultural or seasonal
significance. Julius Caesar wanted to change the date, but Jan 1st of 45 B.C. was the date of a
new moon. And it would have been bad luck to change it. Wikipedia's definition of New Year's
Resolution says; "A New Year's Resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to a project or
the reforming of a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous."
The top ten most popular resolutions are: 1) Spend more time with family and friends. 2) To get
more fit with regular exercise. 3) Lose weight. 4) Quit smoking. 5) Enjoy life more. 6) Quit drinking.
7) Get out of debt. 8) Learn something new. 9) Help others more. 10) Get organized. These
resolutions that we promise to commit to every year are supposed to give us more fulfilled lives.
We are supposed to feel better about ourselves and our loved ones and do better. There is
something abut the start of a New Year that gives us the feeling of a fresh start and a new
beginning. But there is no difference between Dec 31st and Jan 1st. Nothing magical changes us
at midnight on Dec 31st. It is good to want to rededicate our lives for the better, but what does
the bible say about making a New Year's Resolution?
The Bible does not speak for or against making a resolution. But if we as Christians make a
resolution, what kind of resolution should we make? The top ten most popular resolutions are
mostly in relation to physical things. Many Christian resolutions may be to pray more, read the
bible more or attend church on a regular basis. There is nothing wrong with these goals. But if
there is no power in your resolution, these goals will not last, just like the physical ones.
Philippians 4:13 tells us, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." If God is the
center of our New Year's Resolutions, it has a chance for success. John 15:4 says, " I am the vine;
you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me
you can do nothing." If our resolution is in agreement with God's will, then he will enable us to do
it, but if not, then we won't receive help when needed. We must pray before we make our
resolutions. Pray to the Lord for wisdom. Pray that God will give us strength to complete our
goals. Don't allow failures to stop us, stay motivated. And remember to give God all the glory. For
Proverbs 19:8 says, "He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding
prospers." A new year shouldn't necessarily mean a new resolution. If we put God first in our
lives and seek his will, then every day will be a "new day" with Christ.
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