I've never been one to make "New Year's Resolutions." Truth be told, I'm pretty sure I avoid making resolutions simply out of fear. Fear of what? Fear of failing. There is something about saying resolutions out loud, or posting them on Facebook or Twitter, or even simply writing them down that seems so...final, so real to me. I feel like it equates to so much accountability. Don't get me wrong, I don't think making resolutions or posting them for all to see is wrong or silly. Quite the opposite. In fact, it seems pretty brave to me. Accountability is a very good thing, necessary for all of us.

So why do so many run away from it? Typically fear. Whether it is fear of failing, losing face, being called out, or having to change, fear can keep us from reaching higher and asking for help. I'm not sure what resolutions you may have made. I can probably guess many of them, because they probably look similar to my goals. However, I want to encourage you to pray over your goals and resolutions. Discuss them with the Lord. Ask Him for help. Make sure your goals are for the right reasons, reasons that glorify God.

Find a good, reliable accountability partner or partners. I typically like to have more than one partner. One who is on the same page as myself and will journey with me, and one who has already turned that page and can give me advice. Stay accountable to God. Continual accountability is key...continual. It will help to prevent the failure so many of us fear. This applies not only to our New Year's resolutions, but to all aspects of our walk with God.

Next, keep track, write your goals down, and take them before the Lord, continually! To avoid sin, especially a sin we struggle with, we must constantly go to the Lord and ask others for encouragement and accountability. Find and write down scriptures that apply to your goals. Remember, you can do nothing apart from Him (John 15:5). And, you can do ALL things through Christ who gives you strength (Philippians 4:13).

Nichol Naranjo

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