Are New Year’s Resolutions Biblical?
At the end of every year, I evaluate the last year and set some goals for the next year. It’s my version of a new year’s resolution. I have not always succeeded in meeting the goals, but overall, I would say that it has been a beneficial practice.
Are New Year’s Resolutions Biblical? Is there any Biblical basis for such a practice? Obviously, the particular practice we call “New Years resolutions” is not mentioned in the Bible. Moreover, it could be argued that every day is just like every other day. One day should not necessarily be more highly regarded than another. Paul says, “One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind” (Rom. 14:5).
On the other hand, the Scripture speaks of “new beginnings.” At least the Old Testament reflects such an idea. Each week ended with the Sabbath (Ex. 20:8-11) and the day after the Sabbath was the beginning of a new week. At the beginning of the Jubilee year all inheritances were restored (Lev. 25:10, 13, 23-28) and all slaves freed (Lev. 25:39-40). A new beginning was obtained. Every year on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 23:27-28), everyone could “start over again” freed from sin until the next year.”
The New Testament repeatedly admonishes believers to put off vices and put on virtues (see, for example, Eph. 4:20-32). In a sense, any day is a day to start over again. Any time is a good time to put off the sins of the past (year) and set your sights on spiritual accomplishments for now and in the future. So, why not at the beginning of the year? It as good a time as any. Or maybe I should say, “It’s about time!”
A word of caution: if there is a problem with our practice of New Years Resolutions, it is that we are going to make a resolution and therefore we will change. While that may work for some people in some areas to life, for most, it doesn’t work. Hence, all the broken New Years Resolutions. If your resolutions include spiritual issues (and they should), remember, you can’t change spiritually without the Lord (Jn. 15:5).
In one of those “put off/put on” passages, the writer to the Hebrews says, believers are to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1). Then He adds, “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls (Heb. 12:2-3). Look to Jesus. He is the supreme example of an enduring faith. Also implied in the word “look” is the idea of “trust.”
So, make New Years resolutions. Make a few spiritual ones too, but remember, you will need the Lord’s help and grace to make spiritual resolutions a reality.
© G. Michael Cocoris 12/ 29/2002.
Are New Year’s Resolutions Biblical? Is there any Biblical basis for such a practice? Obviously, the particular practice we call “New Years resolutions” is not mentioned in the Bible. Moreover, it could be argued that every day is just like every other day. One day should not necessarily be more highly regarded than another. Paul says, “One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind” (Rom. 14:5).
On the other hand, the Scripture speaks of “new beginnings.” At least the Old Testament reflects such an idea. Each week ended with the Sabbath (Ex. 20:8-11) and the day after the Sabbath was the beginning of a new week. At the beginning of the Jubilee year all inheritances were restored (Lev. 25:10, 13, 23-28) and all slaves freed (Lev. 25:39-40). A new beginning was obtained. Every year on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 23:27-28), everyone could “start over again” freed from sin until the next year.”
The New Testament repeatedly admonishes believers to put off vices and put on virtues (see, for example, Eph. 4:20-32). In a sense, any day is a day to start over again. Any time is a good time to put off the sins of the past (year) and set your sights on spiritual accomplishments for now and in the future. So, why not at the beginning of the year? It as good a time as any. Or maybe I should say, “It’s about time!”
A word of caution: if there is a problem with our practice of New Years Resolutions, it is that we are going to make a resolution and therefore we will change. While that may work for some people in some areas to life, for most, it doesn’t work. Hence, all the broken New Years Resolutions. If your resolutions include spiritual issues (and they should), remember, you can’t change spiritually without the Lord (Jn. 15:5).
In one of those “put off/put on” passages, the writer to the Hebrews says, believers are to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1). Then He adds, “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls (Heb. 12:2-3). Look to Jesus. He is the supreme example of an enduring faith. Also implied in the word “look” is the idea of “trust.”
So, make New Years resolutions. Make a few spiritual ones too, but remember, you will need the Lord’s help and grace to make spiritual resolutions a reality.
© G. Michael Cocoris 12/ 29/2002.