Worst Resolution Ever

New Year Fire Work Explosion

Contributor: Ryan Moffat, BS in Bible and Theology from Multnomah University. Pastor of Vast Church.

As we celebrate the holidays, eat great food; spend time with family and friends and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas time it’s a reminder that soon enough January 1, 2016 will be quickly coming right after the quickest month of the year.

Resolution Time

young man laying in grassy fieldWith the hope of a new year come fresh resolve, new energy, new goals, and intentions.

The hope is that at the end of 2016 we would be healthier people, stronger people, and more balanced people to better serve our friends, families and the world around us.

As you think about your sobriety, your recovery from addiction and how 2016 could be your “best year ever” remember a few important things as you’re planning, goal-setting and praying into 2016.

1. Good intentions are not enough; you need a plan!

Too many of us say things like, “this is the year I get in shape” or “this is the year our marital relationship becomes fun and energized again” and while those statements are helpful they aren’t sufficient!

If you want to get in shape you need to join a gym, hire a trainer, re-work your nutritional plan and schedule your workouts into your calendar. The same goes for your commitment to sobriety and recovery.

Good intentions are a helpful start but you must put a plan in place. Join a recovery group, get the counsel you need, join a Church, etc. If all you have is good intentions, you’ll be back to square by January 10th!

2. Invite others into your new commitments.

Community is the God-given means of personal transformation. We keep asking God to show up and help us in our pain, addictions and recovery plans and we keep blaming Him, “God, where are you, why didn’t you come through?”

man in church prayingMeanwhile He keeps sending you friends, family and people to help you as the very answer you’ve been looking for. We think we’re strong enough to go at it alone but that’s a myth.

“Isolation is our response to sin, community is our response to reconciliation”. Bring others into the intentions and plans of 2016 so they can help you achieve your desires!

3. Don’t be surprised at failure.

Too many people mess up one time in their new goals and resolutions and they are done before they actually started! I have a promise for you…. I promise that you will not execute your intentions perfectly in 2016.

You will miss a workout, eat a carb, take a sip, raise your voice, etc. The danger in our failure is to begin replaying the all-too-familiar narrative of self-punishment and self-loathing which spins you back into your downward cycle.

Resolution Failure

You will fail this year and when you do, run to grace, run to God, and run to people.

If you make resolutions in 2016 in isolation, with no plan and expect perfection don’t be surprised if you’re in a worse place by February but trust me, there’s a better way in 2016!

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

Have you struggled with perfectionism and always needing to be right? What has changed within your recovery, what advice do you have to share?


Ryan Moffat FamilyAbout the Author: Ryan received his BS in Bible and Theology and a minor in counseling from Multnomah University. He has pastored students, families and is passionate about Christ-centered recovery and healing.

He’s been married to his beautiful wife Michelle for 13 years and they enjoy raising four crazy, unique and special kids together. Ryan is the teaching pastor at Vast Church in Sisters, OR and is currently working on his Masters in Theology at Western Seminary in Portland, OR


Addiction Hope is proud to announce the initiation of a special Christian Track of blogs and articles to commemorate the blessing of our sister site, Eating Disorder Hope’s 10th year anniversary. Watch for further content noted as “Christian Track”.


The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of addictions. These are not necessarily the views of Addiction Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Addiction Hope understand that addictions result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on December 31, 2015
Published on AddictionHope.com

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