Each of us remember fondly the day we were baptized into Christ. There was a warm glow in our hearts, a feeling of security—salvation! Never before had we felt just that way. How wonderful it was! To please and obey Christ meant everything, so we resolved to give our lives to Him. Hopefully, we have faithfully kept this resolution.
We now have another New Year before us; hopefully, these seven resolutions will help us remain faithful or rededicate our lives to keep our promised commitment to God. Please open your Bibles and read each Scripture.
First, I resolve to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness first. He will then help me take care of my material needs (Matthew 6:33-34).
Second, I shall continue to strive to lay up my treasures in Heaven and not upon earth. I want my most prized possessions beyond rust, moth and thieves. These cannot reach my treasures in Heaven. I hope also to put and keep my heart more in Heaven than upon this earth (Matthew 6:19-21).
Third, since I was once buried with my Lord in baptism and died to past sins, I shall strive hard to keep my affections on things above. I know that Jesus sits on the throne and knows how well I am doing. I want to stay dead to sin and alive to Christ (Romans 6:3-6; Colossians 3:1-2).
Fourth, I want to rededicate my body as a living sacrifice to my God. I want to keep it pure and holy. To do this, I must remind myself that I must resist conformity to the world. I must be transformed by the renewal of my mind day by day in matters spiritual (Romans 12:1-2).
Fifth, in the midst of this confused and chaotic world, I resolve to be kindly affectioned toward others and especially toward my brethren. I resolve to be tenderhearted and forgiving in my attitude, remembering that God for Christ’s sake has forgiven me of so much (Romans 12:10; Ephesians 4:32).
Sixth, I resolve to read my Bible every day in the new year. I want to show myself approved to God as His workman, rightly dividing the word of Truth (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15).
Seventh, I am determined to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and to give Him the glory and honor due Him and His Father by bearing fruit (2 Peter 3:18; John 15:1-8).
Just think about how great the New Year will be when we, as individuals, keep all seven of these New Year resolutions. Our lives will be brighter and happier. The church will grow much because of our godly, dedicated lives. These are seven new year resolutions that should be kept by every Christian.
