How are those resolutions coming along? Since many never last beyond January, I’ve abandoned the concept in favor of goal-setting, based on Scripture. If you want to change your perspective—and your life—this year, consider these twelve steps.

Guard speech and thoughts. “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).

Choose nourishing communication. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your  mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29).

Forsake anger and bitterness. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32).

Live in a state of continual forgiveness. “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14-15).

Forget the past. “…But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).

Practice covering love. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

Be kind. “…Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love” (2 Peter 1:5-7).

Repay evil with good. “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9).

Choose a Christ-honoring response. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).

Trust God to meet your needs, freeing you to meet the needs of others. “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

Believe nothing is too hard for God. “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you” (Jeremiah 32:17).

Expect God to do something mighty. “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him….” (2 Chronicles 16:9).

Desire and determination are not enough to follow these steps. This way of life is only possible through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. May he strengthen us and guide us into the incredible freedom that comes from total surrender to Christ our Lord.

Please share how just one of these steps could change your life for the better. And I’d appreciate your sharing this article with your friends!

© Dianne Barker 2021