It’s 2016! Happy new year!
What are the right questions?
What questions should we ask ourselves as we bring one year to a close and begin the next?
For many years, I’ve tried to take stock. How did I do in the year coming to a close? [And there is another, separate, work to actually bring the year to a close through forgiveness, thanksgiving, grieving, and celebrating.] What should I be doing in the coming year? What does the Lord want more of? Less of?
I’ve had a variety of methods, and asked myself lots of different questions. This exercise worked better some years than others.
I think I’ve often been too superficial; Sometimes, too black and white; Sometimes too critical, discounting my Lord’s love.
Assess through eyes of faith
It is crucial to assess the year coming to a close through eyes of faith:
God loves you and me. (John 3:16 and many, many more.)
God is working in us to want to do His will and to actually do His will. (Philippians 1:6)
We are to work hard to apply our faith in this troubled world. (Philippians 2:12)
Look for growth
Our assessment of ourselves should look for growth, not expecting perfection.
If you go through some sort of assessment at year-end, be sure first to pray. The Holy Spirit will bring to mind what you need to hear.
All Christians have the same top-level goals. Here are some questions to consider (and other questions will come to mind):
Compared to last year, did I better love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength? (Mark 12:30)
In daily life, how did I show my faith in almighty God?
Compared to last year, did I better love my neighbors as myself? (Mark 12:31)
During 2015, did I grow in the fruits of the Spirit (patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control)? (Galatians 5:22-23)
My answers:
From an “absolutes” perspective, “of course not.” But, there are times and areas where I’ve grown, and times and areas where I’ve lagged. Detailed thinking is helpful, I believe.
Looking forward
Starting from your assessment of 2015, what do you want to do differently in order to have better answers for those questions a year from now?
Those answers probably give you some shorter-term goals and projects that will help you do better in 2016.
Remember to keep God first, not your goals and projects. It is all about Him.
Happy New Year!
