As we begin another new year, it affords us the chance to reflect back on 2025 and give thanks to God for all He did. Most likely, the past year presented new challenges and trials but also surprising blessings. Though we make plans, you never truly know what a year will hold. We wonder, what will God do this year? What miracles will He perform? Obviously, we won’t know the answer to that until this time next year, but we do know that we must step out in faith. The Christian life is always and only a walk of faith, not of sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).  

As you approach this new year, perhaps you have some goals, plans, and even “resolutions” you hope to achieve. In no way do I want to discourage you in that. I know I do. But how many Christians have goals and plans for growing in grace and godliness? Safe to say, not enough. Is your chief aim this coming year to please God and grow in your knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 2:4, Hebrews 11:6, John 17:3)? It is easy to aim for things like physical health, financial wellbeing, and worldly success. But when that becomes the consuming focus of your life, your Christian walk will inevitably suffer. 

In your battle against sin and corrupting worldly influences, here are a few things to keep in mind. 

The Beauty of Christ

Jesus is the “image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth” (Colossians 1:15-16). There is much more I could say about the Savior, but how astonishing to think He is also a friend of sinners! The more attractive Jesus is to you, the less attractive sin will be. This year, be resolved to know Him as you have never known Him before.

The Brevity of Life

2026 is not a guarantee for you. God has numbered your days, and after 2025 you now have one less year to live. In the whole scheme of things, 70-80-90 years or however long you live is not all that long (Psalm 90:10). 

Make it your aim to spend and be spent for your Master as long as you have breath (2 Corinthians 12:15). This could be the year where you meet your Maker, which is why you want to “make the best use of the time, for the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16).   

The Priority of Church

Some of you, though you profess faith in Christ, have not been to church in some time. Perhaps at some point in time you were hurt, and you think you have legitimate reasons, but it is time for you to go back to a faithful gospel church. 

Remember that the church was God’s plan and He has promised to build it (Matthew 16:18). There are many reasons why you should be connected to a local Body of believers including worship, growing spiritually, and serving others (both in the church and outside). The Bible warns us against not assembling together as believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). 

The Loveliness of Heaven 

Though at times it seems quite alluring, this world has nothing for us. It promises big, but can only ever deliver small. Well, praise God, because there is a “better country” (Hebrews 11:16) that satisfies the deepest longings of the heart. Heaven! 

It is impossible to begin to describe the glories and loveliness of heaven, but it is what the Bible teaches, and it is what God has promised to His people. In this coming year, pray that God would help you to not be so taken and captivated by the things of this world, that you might truly seek the “things above” where Christ is (Colossians 3:1-2).   

The Life of Faith

Rather than being in a frenzy this new year wanting to do all the things there is to do, slow down and rest in your Savior. Through the finished work of Christ, your salvation was purchased in full. Jesus declared on the cross, “it is finished” (John 19:30). All too often Christians operate with the mindset of doing and working for God instead of believing in what He has already done for us, through Christ. Back in the Old Testament and long before the coming of Christ, it says, “And Abram believed the Lord, and it was counted to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). This is good news for weary sinners! 

By all means, be intentional in how you live. As the apostle Paul put it, “To live is Christ, to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). But also remember in this new year to rest in the goodness of Jesus. Each day with Him is a great gift. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30).