Kingdom Resolutions
Much ink has been spilled over the years about the pros and cons of New Years Resolutions. Back in November, in the middle of a meeting, I blurted out, “What if we were to encourage people to set ‘kingdom resolutions’?” The more this idea played out in my head, the more I liked it. Let me tell you what I mean by kingdom resolutions.
Most New Years Resolutions are things like “go to the gym,” “travel more,” “lose some weight,” or “keep the house clean.” There is nothing necessarily wrong with these things. It’s good to have goals to be healthy and to explore the world around us. But too often we start out strong in January and then start petering out by the end of February because, well, life.
But what if we set resolutions that were less about ourselves and our own betterment and more about pursuing our role as ambassadors in Christ’s kingdom? This isn’t a new idea. Jonathan Edwards is quite famous for having done this. It wasn’t so much a New Years activity, but early in his ministry he wrote 70 resolutions and resolved to review all 70 every week. I’d encourage you to read them (they are available here) and consider choosing a few to use in your own life.
Here are a few “kingdom resolutions” you might consider taking up this year:
I resolve to pray for the nations daily using RPGM’s prayer emails and Joshua Project’s Unreached of the Day app.
I resolve to write to a missionary or other global worker (pastor’s family, intern, tentmaker, etc.) once a month.
I resolve to read one missionary biography or other mission-related book at least every three months.
I resolve to take RPGM Explore, or go on an RPGM Short-Term Trip, or enroll in RPGM’s Welcoming Ministry (formerly known as Ambassadors for Christ).
I resolve to become a Congregational Missions Advocate. . .or volunteer to assist our congregation’s CMA.
I resolve to learn as much as I can about one of RPGM’s fields so that I can pray, give, encourage, and otherwise support the work there with a deeper sense of understanding.
I resolve to make a list of all the Psalms that speak of God’s heart for the nations and sing one of them during family worship every day.
I resolve to join one of RPGM’s virtual prayer times at least once a month.
I resolve to add a global news app (such as the BBC) to my phone and turn the notifications on so that I can receive regular updates about what is happening in the world to better inform my prayers.
I resolve to read through the Bible in two years looking specifically for the thread of God’s global plan as it unfolds from Genesis to Revelation.
These are just some examples I came up with as I sat here writing this blog. I could come up with so many more. Many are obviously RPGM centric because I’m writing them. But yours don’t have to be.
I’m going to be doing the first one myself and will be considering a few of the other ones. If you’d like to set one of these resolutions but need a little help, I’d be happy to make some time to talk with you about this.
And once you have set your resolutions, consider meeting with a friend weekly or monthly to discuss and pray over your experiences regarding these resolutions.
What are your Kingdom Resolutions going to be for 2025? Share them with us in the comments below.
My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast!
I will sing and make melody!
Awake, my glory!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
I will awake the dawn!
I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
For your steadfast love is great to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be over all the earth!
(Psalm 57:7–11, ESV)