Resolutions for a Life that Pleases God - Troy Postlethwait

Описание: I want to speak to your heart about your resolutions for this new year. But I’m not talking about the usual ones that deal with diet, exercise, or money. I’m talking about the kind of resolutions that have eternal consequences. Because the truth is, you’re one year closer—closer to the day of your death or the return of the Lord. And that day is coming.

The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:10 that you will stand before the judgment seat of Christ, and He will judge you based on what you’ve done, whether it’s good or bad. On that day, Jesus will either say, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom,” or He’ll say, “Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire.” And I don’t say that to frighten you, I say that to wake you up, to stir your soul, and to help you prepare.

So let me ask you directly: How did you use 2025? Did your relationship with God grow stronger? Did your connection with His Word deepen? Did your prayer life increase? Or did your Bible collect more dust, and your heart grow more distant?

James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” So I ask you—did you draw near to Him this past year? If not, let this new year be the one where that changes.

And communication is key. A relationship with God isn’t one-sided. Just like I told my mom recently, “The phone works both ways.” And the same goes for your relationship with God. Are you listening to Him through His Word? Are you talking to Him in prayer?

Maybe you didn’t read through the Bible last year. Maybe you haven’t cracked it open in months. But if that’s the case, can you honestly say you’re taking your walk with God seriously?

And what about your prayers? Did you pray more in 2025 or less? Are you drawing strength from your time with the Lord, or have you been trying to do life on your own?

But it’s not just about your relationship with God. What about your brothers and sisters in Christ? Are you closer to them than you were a year ago? Or are you still just nodding heads with people you barely know each Sunday morning?

Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 4:9–10 that our love for one another should be increasing more and more. And I’ll tell you right now—if you’re not intentionally building relationships within the church, you’re missing out on the strength, encouragement, and joy God intended you to have in His family.

And then I have to ask: what about your relationship with those outside the church? The people in your workplace, in your neighborhood, and even your own family members, have you been a light to them?

Jesus said in Matthew 5 that you are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. But salt doesn’t do any good if it stays in the shaker. Light doesn’t help if it stays hidden under a basket. Are you building meaningful connections with people so they can see Christ through you? Or are you just offering a polite wave and moving on?

So let’s be honest—have you wasted time this past year? Have you let opportunities slip by? I know I’ve made mistakes. But like Paul said in Philippians 3:13–14, I’m not going to stay stuck in the past. I’m pressing forward—and I want you to do the same.

So let me give you some resolutions for 2026—some things you can start doing right now that will help you redeem the time God has given you:

Resolve to Draw Nearer to God and Jesus

Start a daily Bible reading habit, even 15 to 20 minutes a day. You’ll be surprised by what you’ve forgotten and what new insights God will reveal to you. The Bible, James 1:21 says, is able to save your soul. That’s not something to take lightly.

Be More Diligent in Prayer

Hebrews 4:16 tells you to come boldly before the throne of grace. God’s listening. Are you speaking? Set time every day to pray, not just quick prayers before meals, but deep, personal conversations with your Lord.

Grow Closer to Your Brothers and Sisters in Christ

Make it a point to learn people’s names. Arrive a few minutes early at worship and start conversations. Pick up a church directory. Visit someone. Be intentional—because fellowship isn't optional, it's essential.

Build Relationships with Non-Christians

Start small. Say hello. Ask questions. Show interest. Galatians 6:10 says to do good to all people—not just those in the church. These small moments can open doors to share the gospel and change lives.

These resolutions may sound simple—but if you take them seriously, they can transform your life. They’ll strengthen your relationship with God, deepen your fellowship with the church, and give you new opportunities to reach the lost. And by this time next year, you can look back without regret—knowing you made better use of the time God gave you.

Because time is short. James 4 says life is a vapor—here for a little while, then gone. Ephesians 5 tells us to redeem the time because the days are evil.

So I ask you one more time—what will you do with the time you have left?