![]() At the same time, people have stopped attending church at record numbers, whether in person or online. The only group of people that reported a positive increase in their mental health were those that attended regular religious gatherings.Īs a pastor (and connected with other pastor groups), I’ve seen this pattern confirmed in the people that stay intentional to meet as the family of God. There’s been a sharp increase in anxiety and depression. The famous Gallup conducted their yearly poll, and in December 2020 they revealed that American citizens’ reporting of their own mental health was at an all-time low. Stay connected with the local faith communityīetween lockdowns and uncertainty and chaos, we have seen the power of remaining in community with God’s family. Here are five resolutions for the people of God in 2022: But what about for our current time? For 2022? In the context of 2021, what is God up to? What is God saying to us from Heaven based on the hardships and trials of the past year? What have we learned? These are good, especially when based on a leading from God. ![]() Most New Year’s Resolutions for Christians fall into one or both categories-a sin they wish to stop, or something related to a regular spiritual discipline (devotions, prayer, etc.). With all this in mind, what are some Bible-based New Year’s Resolutions for this coming year? 5 Bible-based Christian New Year’s Resolutions for 2022 We can make life changes at any time in the leading of the Holy Spirit, not just the beginning of January. Regular reflection and repentance are a part of life in God. Third, what is the motivation behind our resolutions ( James 4:3)? Is it God’s heart for us in the season? Or is it based on selfish desires? We need God’s discernment to know the difference.įourth, God doesn’t work by our calendar or timetable ( 2 Peter 3:8). These resolutions must be in relationship with God and complete reliance upon the power of the Spirit ( Romans 8:13). Second, the changes we desire, even biblical ones, can only be made with His power and grace. God might be up to something new or different than we thought. We have to adjust our expectations in this world. ![]() Expectations are powerful things, and planning is wisdom, but we have to realize the journey with Christ is full of interruptions and twists and turns. There are dangers in making resolutions, however.įirst, we are warned against holding too tightly to our plans ( Proverbs 16:9). What Are the Dangers of Resolutions for Christians? Resolutions, on that level, are biblical and important. We can’t do that without intent, belief, making a “firm decision.” James tells us to be confident in our prayers of faith ( James 1:6). We are told to examine our lives in the faith ( 2 Corinthians 13:5), work out our salvation ( Philippians 2:12). Go and make disciples ( Matthew 28:16-20). Pray without ceasing ( 1 Thessalonians 5:17). Rejoice in the Lord always ( Philippians 4:4). The Bible also is full of imperative statements, what we might call commands. We repent of our whole existence to come to Christ, but the Bible talks about repentance of specific deeds, as well ( 2 Samuel 24:10). Christians have their perspectives and convictions on the matter many participate in some form. The Bible doesn’t have any specific instructions about New Year’s Resolutions, either way. What Does the Bible Say about New Year’s Resolutions? Many evangelical churches do similar things today. ![]() John Wesley began a Covenant Renewal Service, a night watch service, complete with prayer and Scripture on New Year’s, serving as an alternative to drunken celebrations. The early church adopted the spiritual practice of reflection on past mistakes and resolving to do better. The Romans believed January a doorway of time to consider the previous year and make changes. There is a history of making yearly resolutions, dating back 4,000 years to Babylon. The same with joining a gym or hiring a personal trainer. We resolve to eat better because we believe that it is good for us. We can’t enact our will behind something we don’t believe matters. It is also based on a moral or personal belief. Resolution connotates intention, determination. The dictionary defines resolution as “a firm decision to do or not to do something.” What about us? What are some Christian New Year’s Resolutions for 2022? What Is a Resolution? Many take the New Year to reflect and make resolutions for the future. What would happen when the clocks turned from December 31 to January 1? Would problems go away? Should we all cry Jumanji? Would it only spiral into a Mad Max movie? Between COVID lockdowns, racial unrest, political tension, and natural disasters, it’s been quite the year. What can we expect in 2022? The memes were all over social media.
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