Of all the resolutions people make leading up to a new year, five were listed as most popular by reachout.com:
To enjoy life more.
To eat better and exercise more.
To learn something new.
To quit smoking.
To manage money better.
The last four seem connected to the first: I will enjoy life more if I adopt any or all of the other four. It is good to enjoy life! 1 Timothy 6:18 even states that God “richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.” God does not intend for us to be miserable on earth. However, God has more significant goals than our temporary enjoyment of earthly blessings. God has not designed earthly life to satisfy us forever. Instead, He presents earthly life as a prelude to eternity. People who live according to God’s Word find contentment during earthly life and unending joy in eternity (Phil. 4:11-17; 1 Tim. 6:17-19).
The resolutions listed above are fine. They may provide a temporary life of ease, but it is foolish to be satisfied with such shortsighted goals (Luke 12:20). Instead of seeking temporary ease, seek contentment and eternal life. God links contentment with our preparation for eternity. The most fulfilling earthly life finds contentment in serving Jesus the Lord and clinging to the hope of eternal life.
How will you move into the new year? Will you find contentment by preparing for eternal life, or will you be shortsighted and foolish, living only for personal, passing joy?
“5 New Year's Resolutions Worth Making.” n.d. 5 New Years Resolutions | Setting Goals | ReachOut Australia. Accessed January 2, 2023. https://au.reachout.com/articles/5-new-years-resolutions.
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