It is New Years Eve, a day when many are preparing for their evening parties, and waiting for the ball to drop in Times Square. Many people may also be finalizing their list of New Years Resolutions – though 22% of those resolutions will be broken by the end of the week, according to the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

I found this to be interesting…

According to a new survey conducted by Opinion Research Corporation for Whole Foods Market, more than 75%  of Americans would prefer to never again make a New Year’s resolution…

Yet , recent polls conducted by General Nutrition Centers, Quicken, and others shows that more than 50% of Americans vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year.

Now if 75% of the people don’t want to make resolutions, how can 50% make the same resolution? The math doesn’t seem to add up.  Is someone making people make these resolutions against their will?

Without commenting about voluntary or coercion factors, USA.gov says the most popular resolutions are:

• Lose Weight
• Pay Off Debt
• Save Money
• Get a Better Job
• Get Fit
• Eat Right
• Get a Better Education
• Drink Less Alcohol
• Quit Smoking
• Reduce Stress
• Take a Trip, and
• Volunteer to Help Others

I think my only resolution this year will again be to not make any resolutions. (And no one can make me make one!)

Still, the whole topic does bring to mind a list of 70 Resolutions penned by a 19 year old nearly three centuries ago.  The teenager was Jonathan Edwards. His thoughts were profound. His passion and priority for growing in godliness is… remarkable.  And while I don’t agree with all of his resolutions, or necessarily even all the premises behind them, there are some very practical insights that, if applied, would certainly help me grow in God’s grace.

So, I’ll probably take some time this week to think through Edwards’ Resolutions.

But I won’t make that a promise, because that’d be like making a resolution!