I hope it’s not too late to address the subject of New Year’s resolutions. I also hope that if you made any, you have been able to keep them so far!

It’s always a good idea to try to improve oneself, but it is easier said than done. I have a cousin who resolved to quit smoking last year. He got so much satisfaction from making that resolution that he has resolved to quit smoking again this year!

I have a friend who vowed to lose 10 pounds in 2025. He only fell short of his goal by 15 pounds!

It isn’t easy to keep our resolutions. I heard about a husband and wife who were sitting together and writing down some goals for the coming year. The wife said, “I am resolving to be less controlling this year. Honey, you should write that one down too!”

Seriously, it is good for Christians to try to make self-improvements. The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, “Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.” (1 Tim.4:15).

Some people focus on resolutions to improve their health, such as losing weight, eating healthier foods and getting more exercise. Others give their attention to matters that seem more spiritual (although it is certainly spiritual for a Christian to maintain their body, which is a temple of the Holy Spirit). They focus on spending more time praying, studying the Bible and obeying what the Bible says. All of this is good. 1 Tim.4:8 says, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

You can’t argue with that. Improving ourselves has benefits for this life. We feel better and we set a good example for others to follow. However, the benefits also extend into eternity in ways that we will not fully understand until later.

Let’s remember that the ultimate goal of change is to become more like Jesus. 2 Cor.3:18 says, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”