RESOLUTION 2026
Richard Harris
Scripture: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17, ESV
Theme: With a new year to face, you can make a resolution that you know won’t be around by February, or … you can live a life of fullness, becoming resolute in following God one day at a time, through the One who already dwells within us.
GOD-PLEASING GOALS
Happy New Year! Time to make some 2026 resolutions, just as many of us attempted last year at this same time. Unfortunately, making a New Year’s Resolution is a lot easier than keeping them, as most of the people declaring them seem to lose their enthusiasm in quick fashion as the reality of January 2nd pulls them back into old ways. Many people set unrealistic goals for their lifestyles (exercising two hours a day, running five miles every other day, being a much better person, spending less), but they soon discover they lack the commitment to fulfill those extended promises they made to themselves.
The above resolution examples are good goals and worth striving for. A singular resolve mindset can open doors to all those self-promises. Keep it Simple Spiritually (KISS) by living by the words of today’s Scripture: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17, ESV).
BE RESOLVED IN CHRIST
In resolving to live a life which reflects the character of Jesus’ demands, we would be considering with every decision how He would endorse our very words and deeds. Approaching our life choices as an act of worship towards (and with) the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is a response to the grace we’ve been given. With a resolution such as this, our actions would align with Jesus and what He would do.
Many people already do everything in the name of Jesus Christ, and they include the Spirit of God in their goals or plans. They attain better results than anyone making a half-hearted resolution of willpower apart from the power of God. In Colossians, Paul is not asking us to be something we’re not … which is what we do when we make those traditional New Year resolutions. He basically wants us to come to the reality of who we are and what we have in Christ Jesus. Do everything using self-discipline, relying on His help, seeking His wisdom, and doing it all for God’s glory. These will provide you with a successful resolution.
Make It Personal: Take today’s Scripture, and use it as your own resolution, or find a verse that speaks to you. Take seriously your words and deeds. Make decisions based upon how Jesus would act. Focus on the heavenly way and live the reality of your identity with Christ. In every situation, gratitude goes a long way. Thank our Father, through His Son Jesus, in all we do.
Our Holy Bible, itself, is one big resolution. From Genesis to Revelation, it provides context, meaning, and significance, rather than just a list of commands. It is a great guide to keeping resolutions. Jesus Himself made many resolutions. Matthew 28:18-20 is a fine example in which He promises to be with us always, to the end of the age. That’s a resolution/promise that will make it past January 2nd on anyone’s calendar. Our LORD God has made many resolutions, one of which includes His unwavering promises to never abandon believers (Hebrews 13:5-6). The Holy Spirit, residing within us, guides and empowers our own resolve. Allow the Spirit to help guide your own resolutions, from His power within.
Pray: LORD: We humbly give our thanks for the strength and grace You provide us with Your promising words. They allow us to be resolute in aligning our lives to Your glorious will. Your scriptural words never ask us to carry out our resolutions alone, but rather through Your active intervention. Our determination and reliance on Your daily guidance is the basis of our relationship with You while we are here on earth. To You be all the glory, Father, as we send this prayer of Thanksgiving through the One whom You sent us, and who guides us every day … our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen
Read: Genesis 12:1-3, 1 Corinthians 2:2, Colossians 3:12–17, Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 9:62, 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, Revelation 21:5
Weekly Memory Verse: “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14, ESV