Making resolutions for the new year is a common tradition in our culture. There are many options to choose from as we decide on our resolutions. We can choose to focus on self-improvement and end bad habits. Or we can choose to focus on the betterment of others and begin good habits.

Our resolutions usually center around things like body image, career goals, personal achievements, and even seeking to do good or give back. Usually these goals are short-term, and often these resolutions, though positive and good, don’t last. But that’s okay as long as we don’t give up on the ones that have an eternal impact.

Most resolutions focus on just the here and now, but the resolutions that deserve our greatest effort, faithfulness, and attention are those that address eternal matters. Let us not focus on strengthening our temporary physical bodies, while neglecting our eternal soul. Let us not create a to-do list of projects to improve our houses, but fail to prepare for our heavenly dwelling place.

It is natural to set short-term goals, but most of them have no eternal value. The most meaningful resolutions we can make are the ones that will have an eternal impact.

It is easy to become distracted by earthly concerns. It is easy to focus on building a successful life here on earth. Yet Jesus tells us, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

Ask God to show you which earthly concerns might be distracting you from eternal matters. Make a commitment to pray each day for God’s help to stay focused on heavenly goals.

Prayer: God, reveal to me any earthly concerns that are distracting me from eternal matters. Help me to stay focused on heavenly goals. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ . . . But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:31, 33).

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