The New Year inevitably encourages us to look forward. God created us to be forward-looking. If we look back on the past year, it is to review our life story, remember the good experiences, and consider some things we would like to change. Then, we make plans to live toward some new things in the New Year.

When making New Year’s resolutions, it is important that they motivate us and relate to the higher priorities of our lives. If we have little interest in the outcome, or they are irrelevant to the larger picture, then the chances of us putting in the work to make them happen are slim. We need to feel a sense of urgency. Without this, we risk putting off what we need to do to reach our goal. Motivation is key.

When setting goals for the New Year, we often think about health, relationships, studies, and career. Are we living for the things God would have us live for?