Another New Year
Like most practices, it is difficult to historically pinpoint the origin of New Year’s resolutions. Some historians assert that the original use of resolutions can be traced back to the ancient Babylonians who used the time to rededicate themselves to their gods. They also believe resolutions were important to the Romans. After Julius Caesar adjusted the calendar, the first month was named January, in honor of the two-faced god Janus. According to their traditions, Janus could both look backward into the old year and forward into the new. With the new year, the Romans promised their deity they would make the new year successful. By the mid-1700s, religious folk began making New Year’s celebrations less raucous and more godly. In what came to be known as “watch night services,” Christians welcomed in the new year with prayer and praise. As a part of this, resolutions were undertaken to be more holy in the coming year (History.com).
Regardless of secular or spiritual intentions, one thing has remained consistent with resolutions: they quickly fail. By February, 80% of resolutions are broken (forbes.com). Even with this abysmal statistic, making resolutions at the beginning of the year is not a bad idea. Though it is a day just like the other 364, the first day of the year is a time of both optimism and planning; it is a time that leads most to think about what the future may hold. This is an especially important exercise for children of God.
For those planning to make these year-beginning commitments and follow through with them, here are a few suggestions that would prove worthwhile endeavors:
- Read the Bible in One Year. This resolution which may seem daunting can be broken into manageable daily goals. A plethora of reading programs and Bibles divided into 365-day readings are readily available. Committing 15-30 minutes a day will easily allot sufficient time to accomplish this wonderful endeavor.
- Commit to Focused Prayer: The apostle Paul admonished the Thessalonians to “pray without ceasing” (I Thessalonians 5:17) and admonishes the same for Christians of any era. Prayer is challenging and needs to be given careful consideration. Commit to focusing prayer on specific needs in your life this year. These needs are wide-ranging, but most Christians share commonalities; the need for patience, opportunities to teach others, mending fences to repair broken relationships, and strength of family are just a few areas of focus to which prayer time can be committed.
- Practice Meditation: As the apostle Paul listed numerous topics that should permeate Christian thinking, he concluded the thoughts by writing, “Meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8 NKVJ). Meditation is a skill honed only by practice. Simply put, this is taking a message from God and spending time thinking not only about its meaning, but its importance in the Bible story as well as its place in one’s life.
- Encourage Others: Again, in writing to the Thessalonians, the apostle Paul commanded, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (I Thessalonians 5:11 NIV). Within every congregation, there are those facing problems, dealing with challenges, and perhaps even on the verge of losing faith. A kind word, either verbal or written, may go a long way in helping someone rise to fight another day. Like the other resolutions, there must be specificity; commit to writing a note, sending a text, or making a call that will demonstrate care and concern. These do not have to go to those with known problems; everyone faces some challenge, and everyone needs to be uplifted by a fellow saint.
- Share the Good News. If one truly believes in the saving power of the gospel, there should be the desire to share this message with those who need to know God. Optimally, this is a face-to-face invitation for someone to either join in a private Bible study or visit an assembly where this message is being taught. Still, there are those whose willingness to ask has still not been achieved. If this is the case, there are other ways to help. Sending notes to those new to the area, mailing the first lesson of a Bible correspondence course, and sending out invitations to gospel meetings either by mail or electronically can let others know of available opportunities to learn the power of salvation.
Commit this year to be among the 20% that see their resolutions to successful fulfillment. This takes planning and time; most importantly, it takes resolve. May this resolve not only extend to the resolutions undertaken, but also to the commitment to grow stronger and more committed to the Lord in this upcoming year.
I am resolved to follow the Savior,
Faithful and true each day;
Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,
He is the living Way.
From the 1896 Hymn, “I Am Resolved”
