Each year, people make countless New Year’s resolutions vowing to improve their lives.
You’ll see everything from cutting out sugar or saving money… to even spiritual vows like promising to attend church more often.
But this year, instead of making your New Year’s resolution all about you, how about trying a different approach and see what God will do.
While there’s nothing wrong with making a commitment to eat healthy or practice financial discipline, sometimes we get too focused on life here on earth and neglect to think about eternity.
Instead of your typical “do more” or “do less” resolutions, try these three New Year’s resolutions and watch God work in a mighty way.
Humbly Admit You Need God
In our “self-will” culture, we often think we can control our future and make things happen.
Especially during seasons of harvest, if we aren’t careful, we can fall prey to pride and think we are better than we are.
Often, it is in moments of brokenness and despair when we are reminded just how NOT in control we are and how much we need God every moment of every day.
This year, don’t wait until you hit a low point to turn to God.
Begin each day fully surrendering whatever may happen into His hands.
Remember, our main purpose in this life is to glorify Him by making disciples of all nations.
Pray for Him to show you ways you can live out this commission in your daily life.
Practice A Heart Of Gratitude
Realize that every gift comes from God – and praise Him for it!
It’s easy to take our blessings for granted or be more in love with the gift than the Giver.
Instead, ask God each day to give you a heart of gratitude to appreciate what you have – and abandon your quest to always have the latest and greatest.
The secret of being content in all circumstances will serve you well in life.
And yes, this means when you are low in the valley or soaring high above the mountains.
As Paul reminds us in the book of Philippines:
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” – Philippines 4:11-13
Focus On Eternity
This year, make a resolution to view everything through an eternal lens.
Often times we get upset about things that won’t even matter in a day – and certainly won’t matter in eternity.
By changing your perspective, you’ll begin to focus on what really matters and cut through the clutter and pull of the world.
If you begin to see each lost person as a real soul – a person who will spend forever separated from God without knowing Jesus – you’ll begin to change your actions.
Is it worth blowing your Christian witness and getting upset at the barista because they’re out of your favorite coffee drink?
Clearly the answer is no!
Instead, look for new ways to share the Gospel with those you come into contact with each day – whether it’s the parking attendant at work or the grocery store clerk. If you view everything through an eternal lens, your perception is bound to change.
Of course, it is prudent to take care of earthly affairs.
We all need money to pay our bills and put food on the table.
But instead of storing up treasures here on earth and having an earthly perspective, with a humble heart, practice daily gratitude and pray for God to give you eyes to see things through an eternal perspective.
Chances are you’ll never be the same.
And don’t forget to write about all the things God has taught you this year in your prayer journal!
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