As we approach the New Year, the Promise Contracts are dusted off. The dates have been changed to protect our attempted resolution failures of the previous year. Carrying on our past traditions, we plan to make the same well-intentioned vows for the coming year. We hope that if we set enough goals, at least some of them will be achieved. It is not coincidental how similar the new wave of goals is to last year’s pledges. To some of us, the failed goals of the previous year enter our minds with a vengeance. Self-issued guilt takes “stage right,” while frustration takes “stage left.” When we look back at those unfilled resolutions, we realize how weak our commitment was in achieving our goals.
Three out of ten Americans made resolutions in 2024, but only 8% followed through with their projected goals. (Drive Research) Yet, even with those odds, many still attempt to make resolutions. The first week is met with anticipatory excitement, but by the end of the second week, small and discreet challenges emerge to their resolutions. To the “resolutioners,” they make up exclusion clauses, just in case failure is gaining ground. Almost immediately, the rationalization and justification of the weakening of one of the promises is released. By the end of the third week, if they have not already resigned to failure, they struggle to keep their footing. By the end of the month, reality sets in, and they grudgingly decide to wake from their fantasy expectations and carry on with the everyday challenges of life.
Looking at this from a Christian perspective, we see many of our promises to God fall short of completion. Our intent is commendable, but our lack of discipline and commitment opens the door to Satan’s attacks. When the cares of the world steal quality time from our Biblical reading, Satan helps us justify our lack of adherence due to circumstances. Jesus, in His teachings, makes it clear that we are not to be preoccupied with tomorrow, but rather to center on the here and now. (Matthew 6:34) Instead of promising to do something down the road, we need to do it now. For example, instead of vowing to set aside a certain time to pray every day, why not talk to the Lord throughout the day? The reason so many goals fail is that we are looking at days we do not yet occupy. Scripture points out that we don’t know what the approaching days hold, only that the Lord holds them. (James 4:13-15)
Let us not fall for the trap of promising something simply for our own justification. Instead of trying to impress God with our spiritual New Year’s Resolutions, we need to stop talking and start living our faith. Let us serve Him RIGHT NOW, as we continue to take one step at a time toward our finish line that could actually appear at any time.
Have a great New Year……ONE DAY AT A TIME.
And yes, one day at a time. That's all we can do. 
