Often we reflect at the end of a year and look back to see where we were a year before and then look ahead to where we’d like to be one year from the present. Such a practice has great value in self-evaluation and personal growth. Is it possible to multiply the value of doing this?
Do you remember that Y2K craze not too long ago? As the end of the year 1999 was nearing, there was so much talk and speculation about how computer systems would respond to the date code of the new millennium. Doesn’t it seem like just a few weeks ago that all of that was happening? How could that possibly be 10 years ago?
Now that we’ve pinpointed a time in the past, let me ask you: (1) Where were you spiritually 10 years ago? (2) Where are you now compared to 10 years ago? (3) Where will you be spiritually 10 years from now?
Are you closer to God now than 10 years ago? Do you read the Bible more now than 10 years ago? Do you know the Bible better now than 10 years ago? Do you pray more regularly and more fervently now than 10 years ago? Do you attend Bible study and worship more faithfully now than 10 years ago? Is your worship more focused and meaningful now than 10 years ago? Are you more active in the church now than 10 years ago? Do you talk to others about Christ and the gospel more now than 10 years ago? Are you less ashamed of being a Christian now than 10 years ago? Do you feel more assured of your eternal salvation now than 10 years ago?
For me, these are some very soul-searching questions. But, let’s turn our attention to the future and where we will be 10 years from now.
Will you be closer to God in 10 years? Will you be reading your Bible more in 10 years? Will you know the Bible better in 10 years? Will you be praying more regularly and fervently in 10 years? Will you be attending Bible study and worship more faithfully in 10 years? Will your worship be more focused and meaningful in 10 years? Will you be more active in the church in 10 years? Will you talk to others more about Christ and the gospel in 10 years? Will you be less ashamed of being a Christian in 10 years? Will you feel more assured of your eternal salvation in 10 years?
There is only one way to know for sure. Start now! Make it happen! You will not grow accidentally!