What type of New Year's resolutions are appropriate for Christians?

TL;DR:

Making changes, setting goals, or making resolutions as part of starting a New Year is a common practice. Christian resolutions should focus on doing what honors God.

The Bible teaches that believers’ plans no matter when they are made, should be committed to God (Proverbs 3:5-6, 16:3). The Bible shows that asking God for help in keeping resolutions , so long as they honor Him, will bring His presence into our goals (John 15:5; Philippians 4:13). According to Scripture, God wants to transform us to be more like Him (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18). Resolutions and goals we set should center on spiritual growth more so than physical change (Matthew 6:33; 1 Timothy 4:8). God will guide us to what He wants to change in us if we ask Him to reveal it and this can help us to make meaningful, lasting resolutions (Psalm 139:23-24; James 1:5).

from the old testament

For our spiritual resolutions to succeed, we must commit them to God and ask for His help in keeping them. David wrote, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday” (Psalm 37:5-6). Our prayers should be that our resolutions align with God’s Word and His will.

from the new testament

God is continually at work in us to make us more like Him (2 Corinthians 3:18, Philippians 1:6, 2:13). Our New Year’s resolutions should be about that work.
As Paul wrote to Timothy, “for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). Many people make New Year’s resolutions about losing weight or getting fit. Those are fine as we shouldn’t disregard our health, but our focus should be on our spiritual health.
In our New Year’s resolutions, as with all our plans, we can ask God for guidance and He will provide it (James 1:5).

implications for today

Common New Year's resolutions are to quit some vice, like smoking, or start something positive, like routine exercise. Most New Year's resolutions seem to center around becoming physically healthier. Focusing on health is commendable, but focusing on spiritual growth is even better. Christians sometimes resolve to pray more, read the Bible daily, or tithe. These are all worthy goals. However, spiritual resolutions fail as much as non-spiritual ones. Simply resolving to do something because we think we should does not actually change us. When the fear of failure arises, we can ask God for guidance and that we would honor Him with our plans. We can ask other believers to hold us accountable in our spiritual growth, helping to keep us committed (Galatians 6:2). With God’s help and the support of those around us, spiritual resolutions can be kept and begin in us a journey of growth toward being more like Christ.

understand

New Year’s resolutions are a way to start fresh with positive change.
Christians should focus their resolutions on spiritual growth.
If we seek the Lord, He will guide us and show us what He wants us to change.

reflect

How do you ensure that your New Year’s resolutions align with God’s will rather than just your personal desires?
What spiritual resolutions have you made in the past that have truly helped you grow closer to Christ?
How can you involve other believers in holding you accountable for your New Year’s goals?

engage

How can believers support one another in accountability for New Year’s resolutions?
How should believers’ resolutions differ from the resolutions we often see in popular culture?
What are some spiritual disciplines we can include in our New Year’s resolutions?