Utah's Hope

Every January, millions of people set fresh goals: eat healthier, exercise more, or get their finances in better shape. These are good and worthy aims. Yet studies consistently show that most resolutions fade within a few weeks.

So if this is the year you want to steward money more wisely—get out of debt, save consistently, or live with greater margin—what actually helps habits last beyond January?

The answer isn’t more motivation. It’s a better foundation.

Resolutions often fail for predictable reasons. We set goals that are vague or unrealistic. We don’t connect them to a meaningful “why.” Or we jump in without a system to support change. When life gets busy or discouraging—as it always does—old habits quickly take over.

If you’ve ever tried to stick to a spending plan, curb impulse purchases, or make steady progress on debt, you know those difficult moments will come. Lasting change doesn’t happen by hoping harder. It happens when old patterns are replaced with new, intentional habits.

One of the most common reasons financial resolutions fail is simple: we try to change without a plan. But you can’t hope your way into better money habits.

A spending plan turns good intentions into clear, practical choices. It gives your money direction and helps automate progress so your goals become part of everyday life—not just something you think about when motivation is high.

More than that, a plan allows you to steward what God has entrusted to you with purpose and clarity, rather than relying on willpower alone.

We were never meant to pursue growth in isolation. Accountability strengthens resolve and keeps discouragement from becoming defeat.

Invite a trusted friend to check in with you regularly. Make it a family goal to reduce spending or save consistently. Celebrate wins together—and when you fall short, don’t quit. Reset and keep going.

Stewardship is a journey, not a single moment of success.

Even with a solid plan, many people still struggle to keep their resolutions. Often, it’s because they’re trying to do it all in their own strength.

Lasting change requires spiritual power, not just discipline. Scripture reminds us of this truth:

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” — Hebrews 12:11

New habits often feel uncomfortable at first. A budget can feel restrictive. Cutting back can feel frustrating. Saying no to impulse purchases can feel like a sacrifice. But God promises that discipline rooted in faith produces something beautiful over time—peace, stability, and a life aligned with His wisdom.

That’s why prayer matters. Ask God to reshape your desires, guide your decisions, and strengthen you when the novelty wears off. If you’re married, pray together, inviting the Lord to give you unity as you pursue shared financial goals.

Once your plans are grounded in prayer, structure matters. One of the most effective ways to build that structure is by setting S.M.A.R.T. financial goals—goals that are:

Specific

Don’t say, “I want to save more.” Say, “I will save $100 each month.” Clear goals are easier to follow.

Measurable

Tracking progress keeps you motivated. Seeing balances change and debt shrink builds momentum.

Achievable

Don’t expect to undo years of financial strain in a few weeks. Small wins compound over time—and they prevent discouragement.

Realistic

Dream boldly, but plan honestly. Your goals should reflect your actual income and expenses—not depend on debt to fill the gaps.

Why is it that some people who have been converted turn back to living in sin like they were when they were lost? Dr. Stanley explains some key principles to help believers be on guard against falling back into their old lifestyles.

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Brant and Sherri review the "Most Listened To Podcasts" of 2025


On this episode (Aired 1/24/25):
Brant checks in from the CURE Hospital in Zimbabwe. He's joined by his friends Brooke and Meg.

Check out our other podcasts:

Living Unoffended Podcast
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A new year often inspires fresh resolve. We plan more carefully, set ambitious goals, and commit to making this time different. But year after year, many resolutions quietly fade—not because people lack sincerity, but because most change efforts rely on willpower alone.

That’s where a deeper, more biblical approach to change comes in.

Today on Faith & Finance, I sat down with Taylor Standridge, Production Manager at FaithFi and lead writer of Our Ultimate Treasure and Look at the Sparrows, to explore why so many resolutions fail—and what Scripture reveals about change that truly lasts.

Taylor explained that most resolutions fade because they’re built on effort rather than formation.

“Willpower is a limited resource,” Taylor said. “We assume that if we just try harder or become more disciplined, we’ll finally become the person we want to be. But once motivation wears off, or life gets stressful, old patterns take over.”

According to Taylor, the problem isn’t that people set bad goals—it’s that they try to change actions without addressing identity. Without a deeper shift in what we value and who we believe we are, even the best intentions eventually lose momentum.

“We may change what we do for a while,” Taylor said, “but if we don’t change the kind of person we’re becoming, those changes won’t last.”

Taylor drew a helpful distinction between modifying behavior and experiencing true transformation.

“Behavior change is about effort—showing up, pushing through, saying no,” he said. “But identity transformation reshapes our desires and motivations. It changes why we choose what we choose.”

That’s why FaithFi emphasizes the idea that behavior follows belief. When change focuses only on habits, goals often end once they’re achieved. But when change is rooted in identity, it cultivates a way of life that continues beyond any milestone.

“It’s the difference between acting healthy and becoming the kind of person who naturally chooses health,” Taylor explained.

To illustrate, Taylor pointed to health resolutions—one of the most common goals people set each year.

“A behavior-based goal might be, ‘I want to lose 20 pounds,’” Taylor said. “That’s fine—but once the weight is gone, the motivation often disappears.”

An identity-based goal asks a deeper question: What kind of person do I want to become?

“When someone says, ‘I want to honor God by caring for the body He’s given me,’ everything changes,” Taylor said. “Now the goal isn’t just a number—it’s a lifestyle.”

Identity-driven goals last because they’re rooted in purpose, not pressure.

Taylor said this approach is especially powerful when applied to financial goals.

“Let’s say someone wants to pay off $20,000 in debt,” he said. “That’s a great goal—but it becomes far more meaningful when it’s rooted in identity.”

Instead of focusing solely on eliminating debt, Taylor encouraged believers to frame their financial goals around stewardship.

“When someone says, ‘I want to be a wise steward so I can live with freedom and give generously,’ the goal becomes formative,” he explained. “That identity continues shaping decisions long after the debt is gone.”

According to Taylor, identity-based stewardship influences spending, saving, giving, and long-term financial faithfulness—not just one year’s resolution.

How many prodigals does the Bible tell us about? Well, most Bible students would say one. Pastor Greg Laurie has pointed out before that the prodigal son had an older brother who could also be considered a prodigal. So . . . two? Would you believe there may be three prodigals in the Bible? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg points out that Jonah could be considered the prodigal prophet. But when he turned his life around, he helped an entire city turnaround and come to God.

Spiritual momentum is building! Help us continue to meet this unique moment by supporting our evangelistic efforts in 2026—give before the year ends!

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Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years.

Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.

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