The Problem with New Personal Resolutions

People want change for the better, hence the all the personal resolutions, which includes the one made on New Year’s Day. It’s the reason for the self-improvement craze. The problem is it’s about the self, and the self does not really know its own design. Which brings us to self-discovery. Individuals get lost in trying to figure out who they are, even to their own detriment.
    How many try to “recreate” themselves? They imagine a better version of themselves. More often than not, their vision of that new creation is a culmination of what others say is important. Especially, those whom they hold in high esteem, or even idolize, and want to emulate. Without realizing it, they desire to recreate themselves into someone else’s image. Do you see a problem with that?
    In Whose image are we created, and to Whose image are we supposed to conform? One may actually place another’s opinion, or lifestyle above God’s perspective of these things. This subconscious veneration can become a form of idolatry. Anytime a person elevates someone above God, that human has become a god. It is important to keep God at the focal point. What is God’s intention for our lives?
    Romans 8:29 For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the Firstborn among many brethren.
   Self-improvement tends to lead people to doing things their way, which is never satisfying in the final analysis. The journey to self-actualization never ends, because there is no arrival point. For example, an athlete might win the gold medal, and feel ecstatic in the moment. However, the excitement wears off, and he find himself chasing another one. It doesn’t help when being the gold medal winner becomes his identity. So, the trophies, money, positions and possessions are never enough.  Where’s the contentment in any of this?  
   For whose glory is any of this being done? How many resolutions are based on pride?

How to End Personal Resolutions

Following Jesus, and conforming to His image puts an end to the need for self-improvement. Think about it, if we conform to the design of our Maker, would there be a need for self-improvement? When we truly follow Jesus, it becomes a moot subject. How so?
   Matthew 16:24-24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it.
   When we deny the self, we no longer insert ourselves into the equation by submitting to the desires of the Lord. Instead of walking in our own ways, we follow His. We are no longer self-reliant in the sense of trying to being self-made. By the way, there is no such thing as a self-made person. By denying ourselves, we allow God to decide what is best for us. Peace and contentment are found in our true identity.
How can anyone improve perfection? Consider the following verses of Scripture, and take them to heart.
   2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
    Ephesians 4:23-24 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
   Romans 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts (NASB).
   Our new man is perfect, and does not require improvement. Self-improvement is actually based on the world’s standards; not God’s. It’s a trap, and a rat race, with no real rest in sight. When we allow Holy Spirit to lead us in our day to day living, we’ll be who we need to be, and do the things most beneficial. In this, we also find rest for our soul. There is no need for those resolutions when we are Spirit-led. Incidentally, this does not mean to say you cannot read books, workout, or any other of those things you may enjoy. That’s between God and you.

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Why the Resolutions?

What is a resolution? In this context, it is a firm decision or determination to do or not do something. An obvious example would be the New Year’s Resolution in which a person resolves to make some sort of change in life. It may be to start or continue good traits or habits, or perhaps discontinue undesired ones. It may be to accomplish a goal. In short, it is when one decides to embark on the journey to self-improvement at the beginning of a calendar year.

What purpose does a resolution serve? People want to shore up their chances of success, and feel that some sort of fresh start accompanied by determination will increase its probability. Secondly, it gives a sense of being someone different, pointing to a new identity: “the new me,” or “the new you.” Some wrestle with the feelings of failure, and want to finally cross the finish line that constantly eludes them. They want to be a winner. They want to feel born again, and making a resolution serves as a launch point.

However, it also serves as a form of procrastination. Let’s be honest, some things we say we want to get rid of, are pets to us. Deep down, we don’t really want to let them go. If I make a resolution in June, I still have six months to enjoy those pets. Positive changes sometimes have perceived friction or sacrifice attached to them. We all love the phrase, “No pain, no gain,” don’t we? Perhaps, we don’t feel ready to face the pain, or God forbid, do the work necessary to accomplish said goals. How many want success, but don’t want the work involved?

Resolutions can be Problematic

Looking deeper into why people make resolutions, we may find some other motivating factors we haven’t considered. These considerations my actually explain why there’s such a high failure rate with resolutions.

One is that the idea belongs to someone else. In other words, someone suggested to another, he should do something. As good as the idea may be, the individual may not have the conviction necessary to follow through, because it did not originate with him. In fact, he may not agree that it is a good idea. At least for himself. Essentially, this leads to a futile attempt that goes nowhere.

For others, a resolution simply feels cathartic. Just making a strong declaration gives them an emotional release; however, it does not necessarily mean there will be any action behind it. Feelings alone don’t get the job done, especially when one doesn’t feel like it, and there’s not real belief behind it.

Another reason is the quest for affirmation. Self-improvement does have an appeal for those who lack self-esteem, or are disconnected with their true identity in Jesus Christ. Of course, those who don’t have a relationship with Him, will not find their true identity until they receive Him as Lord and Savior. In their view, if they make some sort of change, they will have some value.

Similarly, some feel the need to prove others wrong. In certain instances, individuals grew up hearing they were worthless, and incapable of doing anything positive. At some point, they made a determination to prove their detractors wrong. Sadly, because they believe the lie, they continue to fail with their resolutions, which compounds the problem.

Moreover, proving others wrong is pride-based. It’s kind of a double-whammy. Operating out of a wound may lead to pride. One may rely on pride to elevate himself, which may also have an opposite effect, especially in light of Scripture.

James 4:6,10 But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.  

A Resolution to End Resolutions

Here’s a resolution to end all resolutions: be led of Holy Spirit each and every day. This is one you can actually do, because God’s grace enables you to do just that. It’s based on humility and relationship. In the relationship, you come into your identity in Jesus, and find what your true value is in His sight.

Secondly, God’s mercies are new every morning, which means every day is a fresh start. There is no need to wait for it. Of course, by receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior you already have the ultimate fresh start, because you became a new creation (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). New does not mean a remake or renovation; rather, it means prototype, altogether new, as in not previously existing.

Being led by Holy Spirit leads to your best life possible, because it actually is God’s plan! Holy Spirit will always lead you in right direction, which includes the prospering and healing of your soul. This resolution connects us with our identity.

Romans 8:14-17 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together.

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