I have a love/hate relationship with new year’s resolutions.

There is something significant about the birth of a new year that brings about reflection and a desire to do more things, accomplish more goals, and even “become more” personally. As followers of Jesus, we do not “become more” in essence, for we have been made complete in Christ, but we do strive to live more fully in that completeness. In other words, we have been made holy so now we strive to live according to that reality (1 Pet 1:15-16). 

That said, I am not often a fan of the process of sanctification (though I am grateful for it) because it’s a long and hard fight. Paul himself describes it as such in 1 Corinthians 9:25–27 when he writes, “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

Every January there is a renewed desire to run with discipline and control in all areas of life. Brothers and sisters, this is a good thing for us at any time of the year, but let’s be honest about the process.

This is where the dislike of new year’s resolutions comes to play, because often I find myself in February with a broken list of promises I made to myself. I sought to discipline my body to eat better, do more exercise, and read more books only to find myself on the couch scarfing down my fourth slice of pizza while watching YouTube videos.

It doesn’t take long into the new year for us to see the weakness of our flesh, but it’s when this realization hits that we have an opportunity to respond like Asaph in Psalm 73 who wrote, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Ps 73:26).

This is the eternal truth that should camp out in the heart of every follower of Christ. 

• We are weak, but He is strong. 
• We will fail, but He is forever victorious.
• We lack consistency, but He is unchanging. 
• We will never accomplish all we desire, but He perfectly accomplished all that He desires.

First, we must not be fatalistic in our pursuit of holiness. It is true that we will fall short, but that doesn’t mean we give up. We have been commanded to add to our faith all that is needed to live for Christ (2 Peter 1:3-11) and we can do so with confidence because Christ is with us and has given us the Holy Spirit (John 14:26) who is our helper. 

Secondly, the nature of our resolutions may need to change. There is nothing wrong with striving to care for the body and mind, but have we considered the health of our heart and affections as well? How would life change if we sought to love Jesus more in 2025? What would we do or not do to accomplish this end? What would we read, listen to, or watch in order to stir up greater affection for Christ? I would argue that as our love for Christ increases, so will our diligence in other areas of life. In fact, I believe this is seen in Jesus’ words to His disciples, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5). Here we see that dwelling close to Jesus in affections and obedience leads to a greater fruitfulness in life. This same fruitfulness processes an unending joy because it is connected to our eternal Savior (Jn 14:11).

Finally, we must allow the grace of God to infiltrate our failures in 2025. In that moment when your list of resolutions is upended or you give into sin for the first time in the new year, turn to the One who is able to save to the uttermost. Grieve your sin, but do not allow condemnation to destroy your life for if you are in Christ you are no longer condemned (Rom 8:1). Instead, find rest in repentance and comfort in confession before the throne of God. He is faithful and just to forgive you of all your sin and cleanse you of all unrighteousness (1 Jn 1:9). Then allow the goodness of God in that moment to drive you deeper into the glorious arms of Jesus who is faithful to bring you to full completion in His time (Phil 1:6). 

I know that it’s cliche to say “it’s about the journey” but there is an element of truth in that trite saying. Sanctification is a lifelong process filled with ups and downs. We will see God deliver us from evil and also find ourselves confused by His silence. We will learn great truths about his character and nature that will bring great joy, and we will endure suffering that has us questioning His goodness. All of these things are part of the process of following Jesus in this broken world. Therefore, let us look beyond this world to the One to come.

Take heart brothers and sisters, our God has resolved to lead us out of the grime and into His glory…and He will not fail.

        

When my soul was embittered, 

when I was pricked in heart, 

I was brutish and ignorant; 

I was like a beast toward you. 

Nevertheless, I am continually with you; 

you hold my right hand. 

You guide me with your counsel, 

and afterward you will receive me to glory. 

Whom have I in heaven but you? 

And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 

My flesh and my heart may fail, 

but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 

Ps 73:21–26.

 

Mike Crump

Pastor of Church Communications

In his role as Pastor of Church Communications, Mike works to promote and resource ongoing ministry/events connected with the body here at Heritage. He also creates & distributes gospel-centered content (both physical & digital) among our wider congregation.