The end of the year is a good time to slow down and take stock. As the sun sets on 2014, how do you think you did?
STOP!
I can hear many of you, just like me, shift into critical mode. We can be our own worst enemies.
But if you believe in Jesus Christ, have put your trust in Him, here is what Almighty God says to you:
“I love you.”
God loves His children because He chooses to. We cannot earn His love, even by scoring an “A+” on our 2014 assessment.
Some things to remember
God is working in you so that you want to do His will and actually do His will. That is His responsibility. (Philippians 2:13)
God is able to keep us from stumbling. (Jude 24)
One day we will stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy. (Jude 24)
Isn’t that exciting? Reassuring?
Our responsibilities
But we have responsibilities too. For example:
We are to abide in Christ. (John 15:4)
We are to love one another, just as Christ has loved us. (John 15:12)
We were created for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)
Look back
Now, look back at 2014 through His love for you.
What would the Lord like you to do more of?
What would He like you to do less of?
What makes you grateful?
What inspires you?
My story
I did an annual self-appraisal as part of my annual work performance review. I let my boss know how I thought I was doing.
A number of years ago I realized wasn’t doing anything similar with my real Boss. I began an annual process of spiritual self-appraisal. Of course, it isn’t really me appraising myself. It is a two-way process where I reflect and pray and hear from the Lord.
There are many ways to do this. Searching on “self-assessment” and “self-appraisal” generated nearly 50 million hits!”Spiritual Self-Appraisal” generated more than 200,000 hits.
As a thought-starter, here is what I do:
First, I start by reviewing the past year. I quickly read through my journal. Look at my calendar. What seemed to go well? What didn’t go so well?
Second, I look at my annual goals. Did I complete my goals, or at least make progress?
Third, I compare all of that to my over-all vision for my life.
As I do this, I listen for the Lord’s voice and take notes.
Fourth, I use the New Testament to challenge myself. For example:
Have I relied on Him more during the year than the previous one?
Did I grow in the knowledge and love of God?
Was I of service to others?
Did I love my neighbor as myself?
I usually hear the Lord point out areas that are pleasing to Him and areas I need to work on. I pay attention to what makes me grateful or inspired. And, then, this starts me thinking about where I should focus in the next year.
What about you?
Do you review the closing year?
What is your method?
Has the Lord spoken to you?
