You might think losing weight would be our top New Year’s resolution. But according to a 2024 YouGov survey, “saving more money” topped the list, followed by improving physical health, being happy, exercising more, eating healthier, and in sixth place, losing weight.¹ The survey listed 23 top New Year’s resolutions, but one item wasn’t mentioned at all—exercising toward godliness.

It was at the top of Paul’s list, but exactly how do we do it? Well, let’s try increasing the repetitions of lifting our Bibles, flexing our faith muscles, and pressing forward in conditioning our souls to run the race before us with perseverance.

Perhaps the first step is finding a place for your daily time of personal Bible study. A small table or desk in a quiet corner, a workplace by the window, or a chair with a lap tray or swing-away tray. When you have a dedicated place for your quiet time, you can leave your Bible open there all day. That’s a good first step toward exercising yourself in godliness.

Your priorities must be God first, God second, and God third, until your life is continually face-to-face with God.
Oswald Chambers