[440 words]
It is time again to make New Year’s resolutions. Our lives will be blessed in the coming year as we keep these three biblical resolutions.
Lose weight. After eating all those holiday season meals, many people resolve to start the New Year off by losing a few pounds. While losing weight may improve one’s health, the Bible speaks of losing “weight” that will improve one’s spiritual well-being. Consider Hebrews 12:1: “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” In this passage, the Christian life is depicted as a race. One who is running in a footrace would not want any extra weight that might hinder his performance. Likewise, the Christian who is running the Christian race must lay aside anything that might hinder his progress for the Lord. Even good wholesome things can become “weights” that hinder one from living the Christian life. A job, recreational activities, pursuing an education, the love of money, or some sin may become a “weight” in our lives.
Exercise. “But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:7-8). A regular exercise routine profits the body a “little,” but a spiritual workout in godly living will profit your soul, your family, your friends, and your work associates.
Save Money. Having blown the budget during the Christmas season, many of us will resolve to spend less and save more as we begin the New Year. This will surely put dollars in the bank, but the Lord spoke about how we can deposit money in heaven: “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:20-21). To the rich young ruler Jesus said, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me” (Matthew 19:21). By giving to the Lord’s cause and to those who are in need, we actually “save” (“lay up”) treasures in heaven. It would be impossible for us to out- give the Lord. He has richly blessed our lives, and we should give back to Him.
Mark Lindley
Chapman church of Christ
Ripley, MS