Biblical New Year’s Resolutions? Here’s What Scripture Says
January is a time of the year when many people seek to better themselves, their lives, their bodies, or their bank accounts. It’s a time of hope for many, and wishful thinking for others. Every New Year brings a familiar question for believers: How should Christians approach making New Year’s resolutions? While the Bible doesn’t mention “January 1st” or the need to make lists of goals every year, it does speak clearly to believers about continual personal awareness and personal improvement. That’s why, when approached with the right heart, biblical New Year’s resolutions can be a meaningful way to align our lives more closely with God’s will.
Does the Bible Support Making New Year’s Resolutions?
“Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord.”
The Bible may not use modern language like resolutions, but it strongly affirms the practice of setting spiritual goals. Throughout Scripture, believers are called to self-reflect, pursue maturity, and allow God to continually shape us. These themes form a clear foundation for intentional commitments that honor the Lord.
We are Called to Examine Ourselves
Self examination is a consistent biblical principle. Lamentations 3:40 urges, “Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord.” This idea of honest reflection is echoed in 2 Corinthians 13:5, which says, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” David’s prayer in Psalm 139:23-24 captures the heart behind this process: “Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts. And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
This kind of examination often becomes the first step in making New Year’s resolutions, spiritual or otherwise. Before growth can happen, we must be willing to look honestly at where we are.
We are Called to Grow
Christian life is not meant to be stagnant. Scripture consistently points believers toward ongoing spiritual growth. In 1 Timothy 4:14-16, Paul encourages Timothy to persist in spiritual disciplines so that progress will be evident to all. Ephesians 4:15-16 speaks of growing up in every way into Christ, who is the head, emphasizing maturity and unity within the body. Paul’s words in Philippians 3:12-14 are especially relevant to resolutions: “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own.”
Growth requires effort, perseverance, and intention. In that sense, resolutions reflect the work involved in pursuing spiritual maturity with God’s help.
We are Called to Personal Transformation
Through that spiritual growth, believers experience spiritual transformation. Romans 12:2 commands believers not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewal of the mind. This transformation is not superficial. It’s a deep change shaped by God’s Spirit.
2 Corinthians 5:17 also reminds us, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Later, 2 Corinthians 3:18 explains that we are being transformed into the image of Christ from one degree of glory to another.
The ultimate aim of any spiritual goal or resolution, then, is not personal benefits alone, but becoming more like Jesus for the benefit of his kingdom.
6 Biblical New Year’s Resolutions to Consider This Year
With these principles in mind, our resolutions this year can focus on habits, actions, and attitudes that support our individual spiritual health as well as kingdom growth. Here are six biblical New Year’s resolutions to consider making this year.
1. Consistent Prayer, Study, and Fasting
One meaningful resolution is committing to practicing spiritual disciplines consistently. This could include setting aside daily time for prayer and study or incorporating regular fasting. These practices deepen our relationship with God and sharpen spiritual sensitivity.
2. Forgive Others
Choosing biblical forgiveness is a powerful resolution. Forgiveness may involve releasing resentment, seeking reconciliation, or praying for those who have caused hurt. Scripture makes it clear that forgiveness reflects God’s grace toward us and brings freedom to the heart.
3. Serve Others
Serving others shifts our focus from ourselves to the needs around us. This could look like volunteering regularly, helping within the church, or intentionally showing kindness in everyday life. Serving mirrors the example of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve.
4. Grow Spiritual Gifts
Another resolution might involve determining your spiritual gifts, developing them, and using them faithfully. This could mean stepping into a ministry role, growing gifts through prayer and study, or seeking guidance from a trusted mentor to practice them more effectively.
5. Mentoring
Spiritual growth happens in community. Committing to mentoring, whether being mentored or mentoring someone else, creates space for accountability and encouragement. Discipling someone helps both individuals grow and strengthens the church as a whole.
6. Share Your Faith with Others
A resolution to share your faith can be as simple as praying for boldness, inviting others to church, or intentionally having spiritual conversations. Sharing the gospel flows naturally from a heart transformed by Christ.
Tips For Making and Keeping New Year’s Resolutions
Root Resolutions In Scripture by choosing commitments that align with God’s Word rather than personal ambition.
Seek God’s Help through prayer, remembering that lasting change comes through His strength.
Focus On God’s Glory instead of self achievement, keeping the purpose of each resolution centered on honoring Him.
Be Accountable by sharing goals with trusted believers who can encourage and pray with you.
Schedule Resolution Checkups by setting reminders throughout the year to reflect, pray, and realign your commitments.
Make Biblical New Year’s Resolutions that Lead to Lasting Change
When approached biblically, biblical New Year’s resolutions are not about perfection or pressure. They are about intention, humility, and dependence on God. Scripture supports the idea of examining our lives, pursuing growth, and allowing the Lord to transform us over time. As a new year begins, these resolutions can become a practical way to say yes to God’s ongoing work in our hearts. Make your resolutions prayerfully, pursue them faithfully, and watch God transform you!