I’ve never been much of a fan of New Year’s Resolutions. Of course, silly ones like giving up prunes. Or vowing not to help anyone in any way all year long. Or vowing not to write any weekly devotionals in 2026. Basically, could you tell that I’m not into those turn-of-the-year pledges? But here’s an exception. You can find it in 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 in your New Testament.

For me, two verses stand out, offering good resolutions for 2026. Which ones? 1 Thessalonians 4: 1–‘…how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.’ And then in 1 Thessalonians 4: 10-11–‘But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.’ Did you notice a common phrase? Right. ‘More and more.’

By this, St. Paul is not urging the Thessalonian believers to gather more and more material things. To be collectors of overflowing stuff. To gather possessions galore, requiring more and more self-storage facilities, crammed full of priceless (!) odds and ends.

No. What’s mentioned pertains to our character, our life as Christians. To be ‘more and more’ who we claim to be. ‘More and more’ as true-blue followers of Jesus, with an intent to grow spiritually, and not just for this year alone.

God calls us to be ‘more and more’ obedient to His will. Less and less drawn to society’s latest whims of immorality, letting our lesser impulses rule the roost. We know what that involves, don’t we?

Then, later in 1 Thessalonians 4, we note what positive character traits we need ‘more and more’ of. To live quietly, minding our own business (yes, Paul writes that–check out 1 Thess. 4: 11!). ‘More and more’ working hard, not being a dependent sort or a goof off, being a monkey on someone else’s back or wallet. Not always looking for a handout, but applying our hands to productive work so we can help the truly needy and become givers more than takers.

In this new year, I’m hoping to be ‘more and more’ who I say I am as one of Jesus’ own, knowing that I’ll fall flat on my face more than I’d like to admit. But I pray that my intention will prevail– to be ‘more and more’ as Jesus wants me to be. That my follow-through will not lag too far behind His hopes and wishes, while never being ‘holier than thou’ or some spiritual goody two-shoes. All of which I’m not. Who said ‘Amen’?!

I want to be ‘more and more’ a genuine person of faith, even with warts and all, and not some phony-baloney stuck-up religious snob. ‘More and more’ opening my billfold for Gospel causes. ‘More and more’ with my head in God’s Word and less screen time that may drag my heart farther away from God. ‘More and more’ caring with less selfishness. ‘More and more’ forgiving others and even myself as the Lord does. ‘More and more’…

How’s that for New Year’s resolutions from someone who doesn’t make them?

Lord Jesus, I’d love to follow in your footsteps more and more. I need your help. For your sake. Amen.