“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Col 3:2 NIV
A New Year’s resolution is a tradition, most common in the Western Hemisphere but also found in the Eastern Hemisphere, in which a person resolves to continue good practices, change an undesired trait or behavior, to accomplish a personal goal, or otherwise improve their life. – Wikipedia
The Apostle Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae was written during his first imprisonment in Rome. Although the letter is not a suggested New Year’s Resolution, it does provide scriptural guidance for exalted living, life changes and transitioning into the Christian God predestined is to be by renewing or mind.
He encouraged the Colossians to transition from their former lifestyle by changing their way of thinking.
“1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Col 3:1-4. NIV
Here begins the ethical section of the letter. Paul’s appeal is simple: Become in experience what you already are by God’s grace. The Christian is risen with Christ; let him exhibit that new life. -Ryrie Study Bible.
“5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Col 3:5-10 NIV
The Apostle Paul provided scriptural guidance for a transition in life.
Among Americans who are making New Year’s resolutions, the most common ones are exercising more (50%), saving money (49%), eating more healthily (43%), and losing weight (37%). Jan 2, 2020. Today.yougov.com 2020/1/2
The data doesn’t indicate how many Christians fall into the above statistics but it does indicate transitioning/transforming to being like Christ is not at the top of the list.
“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” Rom 8:29 NIV
This season of transition gives us another opportunity to get it right. We have another opportunity to begin to renew our minds.
“1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Rom 12:1-2 NIV
Since we are probably thinking about exercising more, saving money, eating healthier, and losing weight, why not add a spiritual transition to the list. And the Apostle Paul has provided the formula to making the spiritual transition work.
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Col 3:2 NIV