Go Beyond

As the year draws to a close, it’s natural for us to look back and reflect on what has happened, and what we wish had not happened, in our lives. The end of the year is the perfect time to find a quiet place to sit and contemplate our accomplishments as well as our setbacks and failures — and to assess our walk with Christ. Doing so is important before we take our first steps into the new year or make any kind of resolutions. Here are a few things to consider as you look back over the past year and take a personal inventory of your life.

Be honest. | Have you been honest with yourself? It’s never a good idea to kid yourself. Be honest about how you have lived your life. Celebrate the good things and determine to change the things that were not so good. If there is anything that you have done or failed to do that requires you to make amends or to ask forgiveness, then do so. Don’t bring old baggage with you into the new year.

Be accountable. | Did you stay on track this past year? One of the biggest reasons we swerve off the path or get into trouble is because we do not allow others to hold us accountable for our behavior. Proverbs 27:6 offers good advice, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” If you have not already done so, give a friend permission to wound you in the new year.

Be specific. | Did you pay attention to little things this past year? Little things can make a big difference. All it takes is a tiny pebble in the heel of your shoe to alter the way you walk. And, often, all it takes is a small act of kindness to make a huge difference in the lives of those we meet along our journey. Consider how the power of small things can make a big difference in how you live your life in the coming year.

Be understanding. | Were you patient with others? Being patient and understanding of others is not always easy to do. Someone pointed out that patience is what we appreciate in the guy driving the car behind us and despise in the driver in front us. Determine to try to see things from the other person’s point of view. That does not mean that you will agree but it may help you to be a little more patient.

Be flexible. | Did you freak out when things didn’t go according to plan? Life is messy. Things do not always work out they way we hope they will. Factor that in to your thinking and determine to be more flexible. I often warn those that I lead on international trips that no matter how carefully we plan, things and schedules will change, often without warning. When that happens, I tell my team members to be prepared to be more than flexible — I ask them to be fluid.

Be realistic. | Did you get everything done? Remember that there are only so many hours in the day. Work hard but also work smart. Remember to keep your promises and give your employer an honest day’s work. And, if you have to put in a little extra time, then do it. Sometimes it’s necessary to do so to get a job done and it won’t kill you.

Be positive. | Did you complain a lot this past year? Then, stop it! Avoid complaining and negative chatter and gossip — the verbal equivalents of eating too many beans! Determine instead to eat more ice cream than beans this new year. It will make you and everybody around you much happier.

Be committed. | Did you honor your commitment to Christ this past year? The Apostle Paul cautioned the saints in Rome to not allow the world to squeeze them into its mold (Rom. 12:1-2). Don’t let that happen to you. Some Christ-followers have just enough of the world in their system to not enjoy Christ. Determine instead to live for Christ all year long. Be distinctive in your love and concern for others. Allow God to use you to care for those in need. Be Jesus with skin on.

Best wishes for a great New Year.