Recently I was challenged by a good friend to not make a “New Year’s Resolution.” He said, “You’ll just break it in a few days or couple of weeks.” At first I was thinking, “Now wait a minute,” until he went on to explain, “Instead of the typical New Year’s resolution, set a goal and work to achieve it.”

I have given this much thought and I have decided to establish a “New Year’s Goal.” My wife and I want to increase our weekly contribution. 2 Corinthians 9:7 tells us to give as we purpose in our hearts and 2 Corinthians 1:22 refers to God putting the Holy Spirit in our hearts as a down payment of His promise. I find it troubling that my heart is the very avenue by which I have physical and spiritual life, yet I have always struggled in my giving.

For the longest time we have only given about 2-3% of our gross income and we want to increase that amount to at least 10% before the end of the year. When we consider our giving is in response to what God has blessed us with, we felt 10% was the least we should give. While the Old Testament is no longer binding, it did set a standard under an old covenant. The old covenant was then replaced by a better covenant through which we have the hope of eternal life. It just seems logical to give more because of a better covenant. – Chris Brill