This is an edited repost from a previous year but I think it’s worthy of consideration…
January 1st has no inherent magical quality which transforms you into the person you always wanted to be…
It does, however, provide a starting line for you to begin the important, often times arduous journey, of implementing important change and prioritization in your life…
Seven areas to consider (at least I do):
1. Personal spiritual enlargement.
What steps do you need to take to grow spiritually?
What areas need consistency and discipline?
Who do you need to forgive and release?
What do you need to “forget and leave behind to press forward”?
How will you consecrate your life to receive God’s promises?
How might I serve God and my neighbor?
Will I have a devotional or Bible reading plan?
2. Professional enlargement.
What steps can I take to get better at my job or career? Am I a self-learner?
Am I doing the Will of God? If not, how might I position myself to see that manifest?
Am I a joyful employee? Am I low maintenance and drama but high output and value?
Am I a gracious employer? Do I treat my employees justly and commensurate to their job value? Would people want teamwork for me and how can I create value for employees?
3. Intellectual expansion.
What books will I read to help me expand my base of knowledge?
What is an area of interest I have never explored more deeply?
What books are influential Christians reading that have impacted them?
Am I reading fiction and non-fiction?
4. Personal prosperity.
Am I believing God for more resources to steward for His purposes? Am I working diligently?
How can I steward the money I have more effectively?
Are there ways I can put my hands to work for extra resource?
Have I created a new years budget?
Am I living within my means?
Am I reducing overall debt?
5. Giving and benevolence.
Am I tithing? Have I honored God with the first fruits of my labor?
Am I giving offerings above my tithe?
Do I consider and help the poor?
Am I resourcing effective and integral organizations and ministries doing Kingdom work?
Can I eclipse previous year’s giving amounts?
6. Relational growth.
Am I prioritizing my marriage and family appropriately?
Do I have healthy friendships? (This may mean dropping some old ones and finding new ones)
Am I a person which encourages or depletes my friends? Do I drain them or refresh them?
Am I overly needy or am I a source of strength for others?
Am I reaching out to new people and expanding my friendship network?
7. Fitness and health decisions.
Do I have life insurance?
Do I have health insurance or involved in a share program?
Am I stewarding my health as God’s temple?
Do I practice bad health habits which need to be dropped?
Obviously your questions may be more intrusive or different than these, but you get the idea.
Write some things down…
Set some goals…
Jettison fear and timidity…
Give God some space to speak to you…
Then determine to obey…
Design a plan…
Take one step at a time…
Believe the Lord for important change and start 2024 making good decisions.
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