It’s that time of the year. Time to make New Years Resolutions that we’ll eventually break. Most people attempt the same goals year after year. If you’re a Christian, I propose five resolutions that you might actually be able to keep this year.
1. Weight. Worry less about what you see in the mirror and more about what is in your heart. If you do choose to lose a few pounds, do it for your health, not to get thinner or sexier. But remember, God doesn’t look at your outer body. 
He looks at what’s inside. Propose to treat others better before you worry about losing weight. 1 Samuel 16:7, But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
2. Finances. Get out of debt so you can ensure you tithe to your church each week. It’s great to get your finances in order so you can have a better retirement, but wouldn’t it be even nicer to be able to take a bag of groceries to the food bank every week or to help your church pay off their mortgage? Deuteronomy 16:17 reads, Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.
3. Time. It’s good to want to spend more time with your family. Our kids need to know we love and care for them more than that cell phone or television show. It’s even better to spend time with God, whether that be in prayer, reading 
the Bible, or other inspirational works. God is like any loving father. He wants to spend time with his children. Ephesians 5:15-17 tells us to Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
4. Enjoy life. Stop looking at what others have and look at what God has blessed you with. Don’t look at those who have more, but those who have less than you. It will ensure a grateful heart. James 1:17, states, Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
5. Volunteer. Helping at a homeless shelter is always a good way to volunteer, but how about helping out at your church as well? You can welcome guests, mentor a member of your congregation, or even do a Bible study. Your church 
wouldn’t run if it weren’t for volunteers. If you can’t commit every week, just volunteer once a month. That will give someone a break so they don’t get burnt out. Acts 20:35, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
The best way to accomplish the above is through God. Pray to see what He’d like you to focus on this year. If it’s His will over yours, the resolution you make this year might actually be accomplished.
I pray for you all a blessed New Year.
