Many people have made their New Year’s Resolutions. In fact, several magazines have stated that “at least half of us made some type of New Year’s resolution.” Whether it is to gain muscle, lose weight, study harder, make honor roll, etc., the main purpose for making a resolution is for transformation.  Whether it is health, school, or simply being nice to someone, we all have something in life that needs transformation.  Therefore, on New Year’s Eve, people from all over make a new commitment to make the proper changes in their lives.

There’s nothing special about making a new commitment on New Year’s. Truth be told, you can make a commitment at any point in your calendar. New Year’s resolutions, however,  seem to be an annual time people tend to renew old commitments or make new ones.

The reason is simple, something needs to change. For example, some people resolute to exercise daily. Acknowledging their lack of discipline, a person may decide to make a new commitment to exercise daily. Or, they may decide to eat healthier by including more fruits and vegetables in their diet. Either way, a need is identified, and New Year’s resolutions become a milestone to begin making necessary changes.

For the believer, the question becomes, “What is your spiritual New Year’s resolution?” Is it to read your Bible daily? Memorize more verses from God’s Word? Pray more? Or maybe the question is, “Have you even thought about God and your spiritual life this New Year?” “What are some things that need to be changed or improved so that you can grow spiritually?”  “On a basic level,” Fiona Dewhurst writes, “resolutions are a part of everyday Christian life.” As Christians, “we are resolved to seek God and glorify Him each and every day.”

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

In conclusion, as we all make some type of resolution this New Year, let’s not forget about our call to grow in Christ. What is your plan to grow in Christ this New Year? How are you going to keep your commitments to change and grow in Him?