Tim Challies never uses the word sanctification in connection with New Year’s resolutions, but why you would encourage Christians to pray about resolving to improve oneself (like walking more and talking less) is uncertain:
HOW TO MAKE A RESOLUTION THAT STICKS
Do you want to make a resolution that sticks? Then here’s what you can do:Make 1 resolution and make it a specific and realistic one—big enough to be meaningful, but small and defined enough to be attainable.
Decide what habits you will need to break and what habits you will need to form in order to succeed.
Create a plan that will train you in that new habit while replacing any negative habits.
Tell a friend about your plan and ask him to check in with you on a regular basis.
Plan in advance how you will meet with temptation and how you will deal with failure.
Pray consistently and persistently.
Some critics of white evangelicalism complain that the movement is too middle-class, that it baptizes habits that attend success in the business and economic world as fruit of the Spirit.
Again, Challies does not mention the s-word. But he has prepared sanctification spread sheets before. I’m beginning to wonder if the New Calvinists can tell the difference between Jonathan Edwards’ post-conversion resolutions and Ben Franklin’s advice for self-improvement. (In point of fact, I’m not sure I can.)
Old Life 