People often kick off the New Year by making promises they intend to (but don’t) keep, like losing 20 pounds, joining their local gym, launching a new venture, or finally completing a project.
While these are all good New Year’s goals, there are some far more important ones. Here are 7 spiritual resolutions you should definitely make and follow through on in 2017:
While these are all good New Year’s goals, there are some far more important ones. Here are 7 spiritual resolutions you should definitely make and follow through on in 2017:
1.) Put God first. Colossians 3:17 (ESV) says, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Making God and His glorification your top priority in all things is a good place to start in 2017. Just in case you haven’t, keep God on your mind and in your heart. Let all that you do or say bring honor to His name.
2.) Study your Bible. In Matthew 4:4 (NIV), Jesus says, “… It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Never mind simply focusing on having an abundant year; knowing your Word is essential to living an abundant life! Don’t just read God’s Word, take the time to understand it. As you do, you’ll gain wisdom and insight necessary to do, be and possess all God has for you this year and in those to come.
3.) Be more loving. “Do everything in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14, NIV)
Keep in mind that love is more than a feeling; it is an action. Make an effort to showcase love through your speech, your relationships and your lifestyle. Everything you do should reflect the loving God you serve. After all, it is by your love that people know you are Christ’s disciple according to John 13:35.
4.) Be kind. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant (1 Corinthians 13:4, ESV).
This piggybacks on the previous spiritual resolution. The biblical command to be kind is a simple one, but it is also an attribute of love. An act of kindness can brighten someone’s day, whether it’s a smile, a friendly “Have a nice day!” or a monetary donation. You never know how deeply you can impact another person through small (and large) gestures of kindness. Ask God to show you how to spread more warmth and love daily.
5.) Be available to those who need you. Philippians 2:4 says in the ESV, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Don’t make this year all about you! Always be ready to help someone when the situation calls for it. If your assistance is requested, be eager to help however you can. Even extend yourself beyond your immediate circle. You don’t have to wait for someone to ask before you find a way to be a blessing.
6.) Be content. The New Year is often greeted by wishes for more—more wealth, more opportunities, more blessings! There’s nothing wrong with desiring increase. But remember that Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) tells us, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
Don’t let dreams of what you could have diminish your gratefulness for what you currently possess. You have God and that’s what matters most. As you walk in purpose, maintain an attitude of gratitude, keep God first, be disciplined and work diligently, God will increase you as He sees fit.
7.) Be joyful! “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Those are the words of Philippians 4:4.
Through the good and the bad, remain joyful. Joy is not based on circumstances, but it isrooted in your relationship with God. As long as the Lord Jesus lives in your heart, you have a reason to be full of joy.
Making God and His glorification your top priority in all things is a good place to start in 2017. Just in case you haven’t, keep God on your mind and in your heart. Let all that you do or say bring honor to His name.
2.) Study your Bible. In Matthew 4:4 (NIV), Jesus says, “… It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Never mind simply focusing on having an abundant year; knowing your Word is essential to living an abundant life! Don’t just read God’s Word, take the time to understand it. As you do, you’ll gain wisdom and insight necessary to do, be and possess all God has for you this year and in those to come.
3.) Be more loving. “Do everything in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14, NIV)
Keep in mind that love is more than a feeling; it is an action. Make an effort to showcase love through your speech, your relationships and your lifestyle. Everything you do should reflect the loving God you serve. After all, it is by your love that people know you are Christ’s disciple according to John 13:35.
4.) Be kind. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant (1 Corinthians 13:4, ESV).
This piggybacks on the previous spiritual resolution. The biblical command to be kind is a simple one, but it is also an attribute of love. An act of kindness can brighten someone’s day, whether it’s a smile, a friendly “Have a nice day!” or a monetary donation. You never know how deeply you can impact another person through small (and large) gestures of kindness. Ask God to show you how to spread more warmth and love daily.
5.) Be available to those who need you. Philippians 2:4 says in the ESV, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Don’t make this year all about you! Always be ready to help someone when the situation calls for it. If your assistance is requested, be eager to help however you can. Even extend yourself beyond your immediate circle. You don’t have to wait for someone to ask before you find a way to be a blessing.
6.) Be content. The New Year is often greeted by wishes for more—more wealth, more opportunities, more blessings! There’s nothing wrong with desiring increase. But remember that Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) tells us, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
Don’t let dreams of what you could have diminish your gratefulness for what you currently possess. You have God and that’s what matters most. As you walk in purpose, maintain an attitude of gratitude, keep God first, be disciplined and work diligently, God will increase you as He sees fit.
7.) Be joyful! “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Those are the words of Philippians 4:4.
Through the good and the bad, remain joyful. Joy is not based on circumstances, but it isrooted in your relationship with God. As long as the Lord Jesus lives in your heart, you have a reason to be full of joy.
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