It’s that time again: time to turn the calendar page, to start gathering your tax information, and to put away the Christmas decorations. It is also the time to make, and put into practice, your resolutions for the new year.
While the beginning of a new year is the traditional time to make positive changes in oneself, I always thought that if changes were good to make, then one shouldn’t wait for some arbitrary time in the future to make that change. One shouldn’t wait for a new year, a new month, a new week, or even a new tomorrow; one should make that change today.
The problem is, that for many people, new year’s resolutions don’t last. They start out with good intentions, but their “resolution” fades pretty quickly, and they fall back into old habits before the end of January. That’s why the Babylon Bee, a Christian satirical website, posted a fake article titled, “Planet Fitness Offering Convenient New Two-Week Membership For New Year’s.” That’s how long many resolutions to exercise often last!
And yet, since the beginning of a new year is a traditional time to resolve to improve oneself, I have decided to make my own list of resolutions – although, for me, they are not just minor changes; they are, in reality, revolutions. So here, then, are my New Year’s Revolutions:
Exercise: I resolve to go out and buy some exercise clothes – loose pants, running shoes, and a warm-up jacket. Then, I will control my urge to exercise, remembering the admonition in 1 Corinthians 9:25, “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things.” To me, that says to control my urge to work out; which is also what Philippians 2:12 says: “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” I am fearful and tremble about working out. I will exercise my freedom of religion and attend church.
Diet: Martin Luther faced a trial before the emperor at the Diet of Worms. Therefore, I will also shun a diet of worms and stick to my usual fare of meat, potatoes, bread, sweets, and insulin. But as Luther was ready to be challenged regarding his faith, I resolve to read my Bible and “always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks [me] for a reason for the hope that is in [me]” (1 Peter 3:15).
Study: I think it is commendable to pursue life-long learning. Therefore, I resolve to apply for a massive student loan to attend Stanford and study for a doctorate in quantum physics. I base this on the fact I had an A in high school physics; this shouldn’t be any harder than that. I will also brush up on my biblical Greek and Hebrew, and become “a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). However, I won’t study too hard, since Ecclesiastes 12:12 warns, “My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.”
Travel: I resolve to travel in the new year to exotic destinations like church, my dialysis clinic, the grocery store, and an occasional restaurant. Beyond that, I will travel vicariously through videos and books of many locations around the world; I have already seen the wonders of the Pyramids, the African Savannah, and Antarctica – and that’s just in the first two weeks in January! Take that, Rick Steves! After all, as during the Exodus, God worked “to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night” (Exodus 13:21), so by the light of my computer I have traveled, and will travel, far!
Friends: The old saying goes, “Make new friends, but keep the old; one is silver and the other is gold.” Considering an ounce of gold is worth over $4,500 that means I resolve to hold on to to my old friends – the heavier the better! Plus, because silver is also at an all-time high, I need to make new friends, too! Even Jesus told us to make friends: “And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:9). However, he also warned us, “You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death” (Luke 21:16). So, maybe I should choose my friends carefully!
Marriage: Finally, last but not least, I resolve to work hard on my marriage. I will listen to what Karen says, anticipate her needs, “honey do” what she asks, provide her with the manner of life she is accustomed to, protect her from our cat, and be the spiritual head the Bible says I should be. Hopefully this is not a revolutionary resolution – but business as usual. I resolve to do as Peter says in Ephesians 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Now, as for her resolutions, may I suggest . . . . 1 Peter 3:5 . . . .
So there you have it: my New Rear’s Resolutions (or Revolutions) for 2026. Given the usual track record, the next two weeks should be really busy. Hopefully, my goals will endure throughout the year. I hope you find the strength to keep your resolutions, and that 2026 is one of your best years, ever!
Now may the Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen.
Read: 1 Peter 3; Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:17-32.
Resolutions that you can and do keep are truly Revolutions!