Just a couple of weeks into the new year, and how are those New Year’s resolutions holding up? January 9, known as Quitter’s Day, marks the point when most resolutions have either failed or are close to collapsing, according to research. Why do they fail? Often, it’s because we’re not truly committed and find it far too easy to make excuses for why we didn’t stick with them.
Today I’d like to take a look at some Christian New Year’s resolutions that might be falling short. Resolutions like going to church regularly, reading the Bible daily, tithing faithfully, serving, praying consistently, and being a better witness. When we fall short on these goals, we often justify our actions or make excuses for not keeping them. Let’s take a closer look at some of these.
Attending Church Consistently – People have various reasons for not attending church. Some don’t believe in Christ, others find it too much trouble to get ready, or simply prefer to sleep in. Some have been hurt or disillusioned by organized religion, while others feel there’s no need to attend in order to go to heaven. Still others say they don’t have enough time and need some time for themselves. Hebrews 10:25 reminds us, however… “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” We need to assemble or attend church especially “as ye see the day approaching” or the day of Christ return.
Tithing Consistently – Every day we hear about rising prices for food, gas, housing, and more. With everything costing more, it’s hard to imagine giving to the church. Taking care of my family feels like the top priority. Many of us have been there—you want to tithe, but there just isn’t any extra money to make it happen.
God calls us to put Him first in all things, including our finances. I personally like to write a check for my tithes as soon as I get paid, and somehow, I always manage to meet all my obligations, even when I’m not sure where the money will come from.
When we tithe, we’re giving to God, not to a church. Many see tithing as an act of worship and obedience to God. It’s a personal matter between you and God on how much. As Proverbs 3:9 says, Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your crops.
Consistent Prayer. – Prayer is our direct line to the Lord, a two-way conversation between God and us. It’s one of the core parts of our faith, and 1 Thessalonians 5:17 reminds us to “pray without ceasing.” How strong we are as Christians is closely tied to the strength of our prayer life.
Witnessing Consistently – Many of us would admit we could do better at witnessing or sharing our faith with others. Often, we hold back because we fear rejection or worry about offending someone. In truth, these fears can be tools Satan uses to hold us back. We’re called to share the Gospel with everyone, starting with those closest to us. After all, none of us wants our loved ones to spend eternity in hell.
Mark 16:15-16 “And he (Jesus) said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.“
Serving others- In today’s self-serve world, it’s often about “what’s in it for me” and “I want it now,” with serving of others low on the priority list. Yet, serving others is a powerful way to show love, compassion, and kindness, while also helping us find purpose and fulfillment. Christ set the example by coming to earth to serve others, not Himself. Choosing not to serve can negatively impact our spiritual and emotional well-being.
We all have good intentions when we make resolutions for the New Year. Everything mentioned above is something every believer should already be doing. We don’t have to be defeated by Satan or anything else in this world.
James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
If you have let the devil defeat you now is the time to make it right. All you need is to take a moment to pray… Tell God you believe His Son, Jesus, paid for your sins and rose from the grave. Let Him know you’re sorry and want to live for Him. He will forgive your sins and mistakes, give you everlasting life with Him, and place His Spirit deep within your heart. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” and Romans 10:9 tells us, ”that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;“ May God Bless you.
Bob
I thank you for reading my blog. I do not claim to be any expert or affiliated with any religious organization. All I can say is that I’m affiliated with my Lord Jesus Christ. This is one man’s opinion and observation. My hope is I stirred up some thoughts for you to think about. There is one place that we can find all the answers to life. That road map is Commonly known as the Bible. If you want the answers to life all you have to do is read. If you would like me to pray with you or want to send a comment, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentpromises.com
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
