January 3, 2011
My parents – and, parents-in-law – had unique perspectives about life that were formed, in part, through their experience in the “Great Depression” (1929-1940). We’ve been cast as characters in the 21st Century sequel to that drama: it’s been tagged the “Great Recession.”
Everything happens faster today, in the Digital Age. Maybe the 10+ years for Depression will be accelerated for the Recession. Time will tell; for now, all we know is that 2010 was a year that most would like to pack up with the Christmas trinkets and stuff into life’s self-storage vault.
Most of our peers evaluate a year-end using the same dashboard metrics. Whether the times are tops or tragic; the self-reflective questions are pretty shallow:
» Did I make more money last year than I ever have before?
» Did I acquire more “stuff” than I had a year before?
» Did I improve my position, enhance my career, or go out on my own?
» Did I enhance my image in the eyes of my friends? and,
» Did I cultivate envy in the eyes of my enemies?
Are those the best questions to ask in evaluating the quality of a year of your life? Do those put the spotlight where it really belongs? Let me suggest some different questions that might help you establish a more biblically-solid attitude about your last twelve months. What are they?
1. |
Did you recognize the importance of self-evaluation? |
Do you only take stock like this at the end of the year, or do you routinely put your life under the microscope to think about what’s really important? Paul suggested that, “If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to someone else…” (Galatians 6:3-4) |
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2. |
Did you understand the value of your time? |
It’s easy to live as if we have “all the time in the world.” The reality is far different: the hourglass of our lifespan is running down, constantly. Do you have a sense of urgency? You should! Even Moses felt that: “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12) What are you “putting off” until you “have more time?” Why wait any longer? |
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3. |
Were you content with God’s allocation of resources to you? |
Did you have enough last year? Did you get what you deserved? Are you satisfied? Tough questions to ask; tougher to answer: “For godliness with contentment is great gain… having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” (I Timothy 6:6-8) Are you known for your contentment? |
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4. |
Did your victories last year exceed your defeats? |
What battles marked the year, for you? What are you out to win? Who is your enemy? If you are on God’s team, that’s a fair question: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:10-13) Are you fighting the right battles? And, are you winning or losing? |
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5. |
Did you finish the year as strongly as you started? |
This one is critical: did you end ‘10 on the climb, or in the ditch? “In a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” (I Corinthians 9:24-25) If you want to place, you have to set a winning pace, and stick with it. Did you stick with it in ‘10? |
Next week: some tips for 2011… to make it your best year ever!
Bob Shank