As a nerdy theology type I can’t help but think of Jonathan Edwards whenever anyone mentions New Years Resolutions. Edwards, the 18th century revivalist preacher, didn’t really keep New Years Resolutions, but he did write a series of relatively famous resolutions. It reminds me that resolutions in and of themselves aren’t bad things.
It’s easy, this time of year, to read article after article deriding the practice of making New Years Resolutions. I’ve been party to that over the years, even posting my thoughts on their shortcomings just yesterday. And yet, there’s not immoral about NYR. They aren’t, in and of themselves, bad things. In fact I want to suggest that perhaps there’s reason to take time to consider making some.
We all need to consistently evaluate our lives, habits, and practices. We need to carefully consider our discipline, self-control, and progress. None of us have perfect steady growth. We all lose steam, fall behind, neglect areas of our lives that need addressed. So consistent reevaluation is important. The start of a new year seems like as good a time as any to consider our development. And since so many others are attempting to check themselves at that time too it can be a season of good mutual accountability.
Change is never easy, but it can be easier with the help of others. When the new year rolls around people feel inspired and motivated to be different, to work harder. Those who come alongside each other and help pull each other along have a better chance of making change stick. Starting a new Bible reading plan this year? Then include your spouse. Going to the gym? Go with a friend. Quitting smoking? Ask a co-worker for help. There are lots of ways to include others, but as we are all striving to improve our discipline and our progress in life now is a good time to incorporate accountability into our change.
Finally, a new year just seems like a logical starting point. As the calender starts over it’s nice to look at a clean slate, so to speak, and begin to pencil in a desired future. We have to, of course, be careful not to forget the past completely (because we learn from it and we will still reap its consequences), and we must be careful not to plan so much that we fight against God’s will and design for our lives. But a new calender year is a good time to make plans.
If I might be so bold, I’d like to make a few final suggestions for your NYR:
1) Don’t just focus on your bad habits –> Quitting smoking, getting in shape, eating healthy, etc. These are good things, but they’re not the ultimate things. Consider your own spiritual growth and development in 2012. Where did it suffer? Where do you need to strengthen up your life with God. Is there sin that you need to put to death? How is your time studying God’s Word? What’s your prayer life look like? By all means, go to the gym, but don’t forget to focus on things that matter most.
2) Make long-term goals –> Think beyond the first two weeks of the new year. Real change happens over long periods of time, not usually from bursts of enthusiasm. Think big picture and develop a strategy for moving forward that anticipates struggle, set back, and the long-haul.
3) Allow room for mistakes –> No body is perfect and if you’re plan for change doesn’t acknowledge this you may be setting yourself up for failure at the outset. Don’t excuse them, but be prepared for an imperfect transition. If you don’t then the first sign of failure will lead you to despair and eventually surrender.
Happy New Year, friends.
Sparrow & Heart Soul Care 