New Changed Life Resolution

Making New Year’s resolutions and realizing that real change isn’t about willpower—it’s about repentance, regret for past actions, and a change of heart and conduct.

When Mark decides he’s finally going to “quit that thing,” his friend Jane reminds him that resolutions without repentance don’t last. What follows is a funny, heartfelt reminder that the only lasting change comes through God’s transforming grace.

Run-Time: 5 minutes
Cast Number: 2 (male or female, any age)
Biblical Reference: Mark 1:15
Setting: Simple stage—two friends talking; minimal props
Props: Coffee cups, small table or park bench (optional)
Category: Contemporary / Teaching on Repentance / New Year

Sample script:

Scene opens with Mark pacing on stage, mumbling to himself.

Mark: I hope I can! . . Oh man do I hope I can!

Jane enters quietly, watching him. He doesn’t see her and keeps pacing.

Mark: I know this is gonna be like crazy hard but I hope I can, I mean I just gotta!

Jane crosses to him and touches his shoulder.

Jane: What gives, Mark? And who are you talking to?

Mark, embarrassed: Oh, hey Jane, it was... nothing, I was just...

Jane: Didn’t sound like nothing to me.

Mark: Well, fact is, New Year’s Resolutions are tough!

Jane: For sure they are...

Mark: Nah ahh! No way am I gonna tell you or anyone else anything about my New Year’s Resolution. All you’ll do is remind me when I break it.

Jane: Look, I happen to be your friend, no way am I gonna do that... and anyhow, sounds like you’ve already decided you’re not gonna keep your New Year’s Resolution, so what’s the use in even bothering?

Mark: Well this resolution is one I just gotta keep. I mean it is so very important that I... not do... what I am doing.

Jane: Sounds serious.

Mark: If you only knew.

Jane: Well if I only knew maybe I could help.

Mark: Like I said, that is not gonna happen!

Jane: As you wish... Sounds like this thing you don’t want to do anymore is something you hate doing.

Mark, shocked: A lot you know! If I hated doing it I would just stop... I... well, fact is... I... well, love doing... this... thing.

Jane: Wow! Strange! You love doing this thing, yet you must stop doing it... Well, wish I could help but...

Jane starts to walk away.

Mark: Hey wait up, Jane! You’re like a church person...

Jane: A “church person”? You mean like a Christian?

Mark: Whatever... Couldn’t you do like some kind of mumbo jumbo over me and fix it so that I don’t do... this... thing... anymore?

Jane, confused: “Mumbo jumbo”? You mean, like a prayer?

Mark: Whatever. Just so long as it makes me not want to... do... this... thing anymore.

Jane: Well certainly we can pray about it, Mark, but... if you love doing... this... thing... well, I’m not so sure you have the basis for making a change in your life.

Mark: Well isn’t there something in your Bible or stuff that talks about New Year’s Resolutions?

Jane, smiles: No, sorry Mark, nothing there about New Year’s Resolutions.

Mark: Bummer! Nothing even close?

Jane: Not really. Closest thing likely is Mark 1:15.

Mark: I’m not real up on the Bible stuff, so...

Jane: Well one version says, “Turn from your sin and act on this glorious good news.”

Mark: Well, not to be negative . . .

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