Recently, Jon Acuff did a Periscope broadcast on how to do a review of your year. He said that the best way to do this is to ask yourself three questions.
- What do I need to start?
- What do I need to stop?
- What do I need to continue?
I enjoyed his broadcast and what he said got me to thinking. This idea of start, stop, and continue works in all areas of your life. Since this is a spiritual journey that we are on, let’s apply this idea to our spiritual life.
What Do I Need to Start?
When you look back over the last year, what jumps out at you? What was that thing that God wanted you to start last year but you didn’t? We all have different reasons for not starting something. We can make excuses, we are too busy, we are afraid, and there are other reasons for not starting. There is something going on inside you. The Holy Spirit may be working to provoke you into action. What is that thing that you need to start?
- sharing the Gospel with a coworker
- submitting fully to Jesus
- becoming more obedient to Scripture
- inviting friends, family or coworkers over for a meal and having gospel centered conversations
- taking a friend or coworker out for coffee
- giving more
- being more intentional when you go out in public
Whatever you need to start, now is the time to start it. You don’t want to be in the same place this time next year that you are currently. You can have forward progression in your spiritual growth. It requires you to be intentional.
What Do I Need to Stop?
What prevented you from being everything that God has created you to be? What prevented you from living out your purpose and calling? What prevented you from being obedient to Scripture? Whatever that is, that needs to stop.
You are your own worst enemy. If God is for us, who can be against us? You are technically unstoppable when it comes to this Christian life. However, you can stop you. Fear, pride, bitterness, sin, there are many things that work at throwing a wrench into what God wants to do in you and through you. What habits do you need to change or break? What kind of thoughts need to cease? Who are you allowing to influence you? How is that working for you? Do you need to change who you listen to? Whatever prevents you from growing in Christ, that is what you need to stop.
What Do I Need to Continue?
What clicked for you? What did you do that allowed you to feel more of God’s presence in your life? Did you journal your prayers? Did you praise him in the car? Did you read the Bible with your kids? What are some things that you applied in your life last year that you know that God has blessed and you need to continue doing? The Holy Spirit will bring these things to your mind and you will know what you need to continue.
I would like to leave you with some encouragement.
It is never too late to start something. You can start fresh and new every day.
It is never too late to stop something. You are never so far or distant that the love of Jesus cannot reach you.
May you see a change in your life. May you be more aware of the Lord’s presence in your life. May you be obedient as the Holy Spirit leads and guides you on this journey.
ThM recommends:
Asking Life-Changing Questions: Challenge Accepted? by Pastor John Snyder
Sustaining Change in Your Life: When It Hurts More to Stay the Same
by Chaplain Chris Linzey
Photo Patek Philippe & Co. watch via Wikipedia
- Refined and Refreshed: A Year Later - June 13, 2021
- Discipleship: From Spoon-Feeding to Mentoring - August 5, 2020
- Pastors and Live Video Options - November 4, 2019
