Scroll through social media in the first week of January and you’re likely to be treated to a charcuterie board of every kind of New Year goal and resolution.

Here’s a little peek of what’s on my Instagram feed:

Workout more. (If you’re a woman over 40, they say you should chalk up 10K steps a day and get some flexibility work in there, all while lifting weights with one hand and drinking protein shakes with the other.)

Eat more vegetables.

Drink more water.

Get more organized.

Strategize for more subscribers.

Write more books.

Save more.

Travel more.

And the list of how to crush 2024 goes on…

Of course, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with those goals. I’m currently in an online “accountability” group to get healthier in 2024. We share pictures of our meals and workouts and strive to get to 10K steps a day. So far, I’ve been pretty consistent with sharing everything I eat—except for the occasional piece of dark chocolate and or the smidge of cake that curiously dodged my photo feed but found its way to my waistline.

I’ve also been helping the economy considerably by buying more storage boxes than I need so my pantry and linen closet can get a much-deserved makeover in 2024.

To reiterate, I don’t believe any of those goals are intrinsically bad. In fact, they can be hugely beneficial.

But here’s the thing: the common thread running through all of them is this—“More.”

More and more.

We often subscribe to the idea that in chasing down a more healthy lifestyle, more happiness, more followers, more productivity, more money, or just bigger and better things, we find more satisfaction. But Scripture proposes a different type of “more and more” to pursue.

Here’s what Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica:

“As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.” 1 Thessalonians 4: 1-2

As I pondered those words a few weeks ago, the phrase that stood out for me was “more and more.” For 2024, my goal is to please God “more and more.”

As I waited on God, this message became clearer. The Lord brought one of my favorite verses into sharp focus: 2 Timothy 1:7 where Paul reminds his spiritual son that God had not given him a spirit of timidity but of “power, love, and self-discipline.”

So, here’s a breakdown of my goal to please God more and more.

More Power in my Ministry: God has equipped us to share His truth. But I often take this gift and run ahead in my own strength. I’m often so overly focused on being consistent and productive with my efforts that I forget about dependence on Him. And that’s where the real power lies: not within me but in God. So this year, as I write and as I speak in different forums, I long to rely on His power to do the work that He has commissioned me to do. Depending on the Lord pleases Him and puts Jesus—and not me—on display.

Here’s a question we can ask ourselves: In fulfilling our God-given goals this year are we depending on ourselves or are we partnering with the Lord?

More Love in my Relationships: This one is obvious, right? Clearly, all of us need to be loving in our relationships. But so often I find myself focused on myself and my needs in a relationship—whether it’s with my husband, my kids, friends, or others within my circles. But the love that Jesus demonstrates is not self-seeking. It is sacrificial. In the world today, we’ve become okay with a me-first, transactional love where we overemphasize boundaries and hide behind them because we don’t want to risk vulnerability. Loving others with the love that the Lord has lavished on me pleases Him and puts Jesus—and not me—on display.

Perhaps it’s good to do a little “check in” today and ask ourselves: Do I love others the way Jesus loves me?

More Self-Discipline in my Rhythms: I want my habits to honor God. I want my rhythms to reflect my commitment to Christ. Does that mean I read my Bible 24/7? Not quite. But it does mean that I prioritize my time with the Lord through worship and the Word. It also means that as I work out, I remember it’s about stewarding the body God has given me. In my eating, I remember that whatever I do, I’m called to do for the glory of God. In my home, as I organize and tidy up and host people, I remember not to let those things become idols that consume me because they are gifts from God.

The question is: Do we see self-discipline as a way to please God or promote ourselves?

Whatever our goals might be for the coming year, perhaps we should ask ourselves, “Am I doing this to please God more and more?”

Friend, as the new year slowly unwraps itself, could I pray for us?

Father God, As the year begins, we have dreams and plans and ambitions. You know, Lord, the desires of our hearts. But, Father, we don’t want to charge ahead into this season just to promote ourselves or pander to the world’s standards. We long to please You with our work, our relationships, and the rhythms of our lives. So, Lord, we pray for “more love, more power, and more of You in our lives.” Thank You, Father, that all things are from You, through You, and for You. In Jesus’ name. Amen

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