New Year’s resolutions ought to be both worthy and attainable. I would like to suggest six such reasonable, personal goals. If the Bible is true, then every one of us ought to set the following six goals for himself or herself. These resolutions are guaranteed to drastically improve our lives through the power of God. And, they all are within our reach.
- Study the Bible daily. Familiarity with the word of God will help us not to sin (Psalms 119:11). Undoubtedly, many of our problems in 2015 arose because we were weak in our knowledge and application of the Bible. If we study the Bible every day, these problems will be greatly reduced in 2016 (Psalms 19:7-11; 2 Timothy 3:15-4:4).
- Pray sincere (not rote) prayers daily. God’s power is applied to our benefit as we seek it through prayer (James 4:2; 5:16; 1 Peter 3:12). Our effectiveness in life’s pursuits, including our relationships with others, will be increased when we are praying about them. We should pray especially for the lost, and for those we have difficulty loving (Matthew 5:44).
- Do something weekly to reach out to a lost person. If we are like Jesus, then our concern for the lost will show in our actions (Luke 19:10; John 4:34-35). Do you know a young person who needs to obey the gospel, or an older person who needs to be restored? Take the initiative in 2016 and be evangelistic (Matthew 28:18-20). Invite your friends to church, offer a Bible correspondence course, hand out a tract or a sermon CD, etc.
- Do something weekly to cooperate with other Christians in good work. Each of us has an influence, and so Christians work together in serving the Lord (Romans 14:7; Acts 2:46). Fill 2016 with the edifying fellowship of your busy brethren. Prepare food for the sick, attend a visitation meeting, host a youth devotional, teach a Bible class, etc.
- Attend every service of the church. Our love for Christ shows in our attitude toward the importance of corporate worship assembly where He meets us (Matthew 18:20). Furthermore, God requires our attendance whenever possible (Hebrews 10:24-25; James 4:17; Matthew 6:33). Show Christ you love Him in 2016.
- Keep unspotted from the world. We must quit any activity that pulls us from Christian love and faithfulness (James 1:27; 4:4; Romans 12:1-2). Will 2016 be the year we stop hanging out with some who are tempting us to sin? Will 2016 be the year when we stop a sinful habit, reevaluate our media collections, or stop visiting some Web sites?
What is preventing you from making these resolutions, and making 2016 your best year yet?