New Year's Quest: Following Jesus with Intention in the New Year

The turn of the calendar invites fresh resolve. Goals are written. Plans are made. For some, resolutions are made. A New Year’s resolution made in high hopes, but often our habits, routines, lifestyle start back up after the break and we lose sight of those goals quickly. 

But Scripture gives us reason to pause before we rush into another round of resolutions because direction matters more than determination. Are we walking in Truth (2 John 1:4)? Are we walking in the fear of the Lord (Acts 9:31)?  

If we are heading in that direction, we have already made the only vow needed – to follow the Lord.

“Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3

In the Christian life, the question is not merely What do I want to improve? But How Can I serve Jesus? Servants don’t need to resolve beyond waiting on the Master’s call. And when that call comes, we are ready to go–prepared. 

Resolutions Focus on Behavior. Quests Focus on Calling.

Resolutions often aim at surface change. Do better. Try harder. Be more consistent. They assume that discipline alone will carry us forward.

Quests, by contrast, are rooted in calling. A task with a larger purpose for good. 

A quest begins with a summons. Someone calls you forward into something that did not originate with you. It demands commitment, endurance, and trust—not just motivation. And it gives meaning to the work along the way. Often, quests are undertaken out of love for a king or to save/serve a loved one. 

This is far closer to the pattern of Scripture.

Jesus did not invite His disciples to adopt better habits. He called them to follow Him. Their daily actions mattered, but only because they were anchored to a larger purpose. The quest He gave them was a lifetime endeavor: 

“Go therefore[fn] and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” Matthew 28:19

Education as Discipleship

In home education, it is easy to become consumed by daily lessons. Pages need to be completed. Skills need to be practiced. Projects need doing. Progress needs to be visible.

These things are not unimportant—but they are not ultimate. If we are not careful, we can become efficient, but not effective. 

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33

A quest-shaped year begins by asking deeper questions:

What does faithfulness to Christ look like for our family right now? 

How can I serve? 

What can I set apart for God?  

That answer will shape goals differently. If our rest is in Christ and Christ wants to bless us with more peace, It may lead to fewer commitments. 

Let Your Yes Be Yes

“But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’” — Matthew 5:37

In a world overflowing with options, this kind of clarity is countercultural.

Questing requires it.

Resolutions can be broken, because we are weak. Quests only see set backs and challenges, but the adventurer tarries on. Broken resolutions make us liars, not representing our King. Quests take a little longer make us persistent and faithful, humble and contrite of spirit. Resolutions rely on our will. Quests are a bit beyond us and make us more reliant on God.  

When a family names a calling—whether that is deeper discipleship, slower learning, greater hospitality, or more intentional formation—decisions become clearer. Schedules align. Priorities sharpen. Distractions lose their power. Dragons are slain. 

This kind of faithfulness is not loud. It does not announce itself with grand declarations. It shows up quietly in consistency, obedience, and trust.

Daily Work Still Matters—but It Serves the Quest

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” — Luke 9:23

Choosing a quest does not eliminate daily responsibility. Lessons still happen. Work is still required. Some days will feel ordinary or difficult.

But when daily work is connected to calling, it is no longer meaningless.

Math becomes an act of stewardship. Reading becomes preparation for wisdom. Projects become opportunities for perseverance and collaboration. Even struggle finds its place.

The question shifts from Did we get everything done? to Were we faithful to what God put before us today? Did we do all we could? 

Following Jesus Is the Goal

“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 3:14

Christian goal-setting cannot be separated from discipleship. Our life goals are not ultimately self-designed; they are discovered in submission to Christ. Our lives are not our own. 

This means that success is not defined by outcomes alone, but by obedience. We hope for that welcome of “Well done, good and faithful servant”!  

As the new year begins, resist the pressure to make resolutions that rely on willpower alone. Instead, seek the calling God is placing before you. Name the quest. Commit to it honestly. Let your yes be yes.

The path may not be easy—but it will be meaningful.