Making new year resolutions is easy, keeping them is a lot harder. The usual resolutions are related to finances, health and a balanced life with less stress. The world around us is continually exerting pressure on us to become worldly in our thoughts, words and actions.  Instead of making a resolution you might not keep, why not transform your mind.  If we are to be transformed in this life it will only happen by the renewal of our mind. Think of renewal as a renovation. Before we transform an old house into a beautiful home we need to renovate.

God provides us with a way we can renew (renovate) our mind from within. Romans 12:2 in the New Living Translation states “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” 

The Word and The Spirit are needed to facilitate the renovation but you also need to take action.

  1. We have a Helper, a wise Counselor, to help us with transforming our mind. But this takes discipline. Assuming you have already accepted Christ, make your first resolution for this new year to study God’s Word daily. The more you fill your mind with God’s Word, the more you will love God.
  2. A disciplined mind is the first step in developing a devoted mind that loves God above any one or any thing. Your second resolution should be to replace your prior thoughts and patterns of life with your new way of thinking. Matthew 23:26: “’Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the Law?’ (37) Jesus declared, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.’”  Unless we know God’s Word, it’s impossible to love God with all our mind. Paul writes in Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV) “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
  3. Changing your attitude and mindset requires wisdom. Wisdom in the ancient Hebrew language meant skill. So wisdom means developing the skill to live life thru God’s perspective and understanding His ways so we can do the right thing in a given moment.
  4. Finally, the Holy Spirit gives us understanding and helps us apply wisdom to our life. Your third resolution should be to develop a relationship with the Spirit by meditating on God’s word, praying and asking for understanding and wisdom. James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

This new year, make resolutions that you can keep for a lifetime. If you are taking in the Word of God regularly, then your mind will be renewed,and if your heart is prepared to receive the Word of God and obey it, then you will be transformed.

Colleen Shue
Royal Palm Christian Counseling