Did you know January was named after the Roman god Janus? Janus had two faces, one looking backward and the other forward, which is where the tradition of New Year’s resolutions comes from. 

While the apostle Peter wasn’t interested in worshiping Janus, he was very passionate about resolving to grow from year to year. He wrote, “Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:5-8). Peter wanted those of us who have faith to “make every effort” in order to “add” the listed qualities to our current faith.

As you look over Peter’s list, which one is God urging you to add to your faith? What would it mean to make every effort in order to do so? Can I encourage you to think carefully about those questions and to share your thoughts with a fellow Christian? After all, resolutions are more likely to become reality when you share them with others.

And please don’t forget Jesus. Many resolutions fail because they’re based off of grit and willpower, but we believe Jesus’ mercy is new every morning and his grace endures from year to year. So, make every effort and know that Jesus is there to catch you when you fall.