Perhaps the “resolutions” on your list weren’t really resolutions at all, but merely a list of your wishes—things you would have liked to happen in your life, but you had no realistic plan to achieve them.

But there’s another reason why our resolutions often fail: We simply don’t have the inner strength to carry them out. Temptations come, and we give into them; discipline is required, but we’d rather do what’s easiest. What’s right is clear to us, but we give into the pressure of the crowd. Even the Apostle Paul experienced this inner moral and spiritual weakness: “I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out” (Romans 7:18).

This is one reason why we need Christ. When we put our lives into His hands, He comes to live within us by His Holy Spirit and begins to change us from within. He gives us a new desire to do what’s right, and a new power to carry it out. The Bible’s words are true: “The Spirit helps us in our weakness” (Romans 8:26).

Don’t drift aimlessly through another year. Instead, as this New Year begins, turn to Jesus Christ and commit your life to Him. God loves you, and Christ gave His life for you. Why not give Him your life in return? Not only will He help you cast off the bad habits and sins of the past, but He’ll also give you a new desire to live as you should. Open your heart to Christ today.

Complete change starts with Christ.