Top 4 New Year’s Resolutions … and The Jesus Challenge

Resolutions. We all have them. Some commit to getting fit. Others commit to reading more or quitting a bad habit. What is your New Year’s resolution? And more importantly, where does Jesus fit into the picture?

Oftentimes, we think we can only persevere in one resolution each year, so we pick our priority. But here’s something you may not know. Jesus is everywhere. Before you think you cannot fit Jesus into your goals, think again.

Here are the four most common New Year’s resolutions and ways that YOU can fit Jesus into each goal. Consider this a New Year’s challenge for yourself.

 

Diets

This is the #1 most common resolution each year. Men and women commit to eating right in the new year. Diet is not about withholding yourself from the nutrients you need, but rather picking healthy foods to keep you energized each day. Has your choice of foods negatively impacted your attitude towards others? Have you ever skipped Sunday mass because your body didn’t have sufficient nutrients to be energized for the day?

God has given you one life and one body. Show God your appreciation for this gift by nurturing the body God blessed you with. Get creative – consider wrapping a rosary around the tub of cheesy puffs you constantly regret eating. Think about the consequences of your food choices and how they can affect your prayer life, relationships with friends and family, and your relationship with God.

 

Exercise

Have you ever noticed that exercise facilities are much more crowded in January? Why is it that exercise resolutions may not last? We have so many commitments throughout a day; some fall on the wayside as the year goes on. Think about how you can incorporate exercise into your daily life without losing your daily prayer routine.

What do you do when you are on a run? Do you listen to music? What kind of music? Have you considered listening to your favorite Christian music? What about your time on the elliptical? What kind of podcasts do you listen to? Podcasts that enlighten your faith? For those who don’t have electronic devices, incorporating prayer into exercise can be a simple as reciting the rosary on the treadmill or praying the Hail Mary while walking up the stairs.

 

Learning a New Skill

Oftentimes, we vow to engage in a new skill, such as snowboarding, knitting, or photography. You may wonder how in the world can you incorporate Jesus into this. You may be surprised. Reflect on the way you life your life as a Christian. Are there new skills you would like to learn? If you haven’t done so, learn how to pray the Stations of the Cross. Or, learn how to engage in nightly prayer. What skills do you need to move closer to Jesus?

 

Spending More Time with Family

Feeling separated from your family? First, if this is your New Year’s resolution, you deserve appreciation. It takes effort to recognize when your family needs more attention. It takes devotion to bring your family together in this time of need. Many argue that the best way to bring a family together is by enjoying a meal together. Many families come together for dinner each night, where they share about their day and learn about one another. If you wish to go above and beyond, consider the phrase, “a family that prays together, stays together”.  Say daily grace at the dinner table or engage your family in night prayer. Family is the most important blessing God gives us. Let us cherish each moment.

 

Jesus is always with us. So let us invite him into our hearts this year and help him fulfill his ministry on Earth as Christian Apostles Are you up for the Jesus Challenge this new year?

 

How will you invite Jesus into your New Year’s resolutions?  Comment below.