By: DeWayne Morton
Why or why should we not

make New Year’s resolutions? Many people do, so let’s start by exploring the history of this tradition.
The origins of New Year’s resolutions are somewhat unclear, but it’s believed that the cultural practice began around 4000 years ago during the springtime. This season marked a time of renewal and growth, as plants started to flourish, and people would return tools and supplies they had stored away. It was a natural opportunity to reset and set new intentions.
However, the specific date for New Year’s resolutions wasn’t always consistent. Julius Caesar later introduced January 1st as the first day of the new year, which became a widely recognized and celebrated tradition.
Now, let’s turn to the question of whether we should set New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, the most common day for people to break their resolutions is the 2nd Friday in January, which is known as Quitter’s Day.
Instead of using the word “resolutions,” which can feel impersonal, let’s consider using the word “goal.” Goals are more personal and meaningful, and they can help us achieve long-term growth and success.
When setting goals, it’s important to consider why we’re doing it. We can apply scripture to our goals and make them more meaningful. For example, if we want to develop more patience, we can refer to 2 Timothy 2:23-24. If we want to forgive those who have hurt us, we can turn to James 1:5. If our goal is to improve our physical health, we can draw inspiration from 1 Corinthians 6:20.
The Bible doesn’t explicitly state whether or not we should set New Year’s resolutions or goals. However, as the ancient practice demonstrates, it can be a powerful time to set intentions and live our lives in a more meaningful way, honoring Jesus and pursuing our goals with passion.