In the historical book of Nehemiah, Chapter 9, the final sentence is about a covenant signed by the people with resolutions for future behavior. This time of year, we hear a lot about resolutions, promises and goals for the coming year. Many resolutions are broken within the first 30 days. This book challenged me as I look forward to 2016 and reflect on my personal growth goals. Hope your desires are focused on others more this year and how you can impact the people who come into your path. My college professor used to tell me, what we do today is important because it will impact tomorrow. Consider giving some serious thoughts to these questions as you approach the new year.
Looking at my relationships with others…
- Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than others?
- Is there even the least suspicion of hypocrisy in my life?
- Am I honest in all my words and actions?
- Do I exaggerate?
- Am I reliable?
- Can I be trusted?
- Do I pass along things that were told to me in confidence?
- Do I grumble and complain?
- Am I jealous, impure, irritable, touchy or distrustful?
- Am I self-conscious, self-pitying or self- justifying?
- Am I proud?
- Do I thank God for people that He places in my life?
If any of these questions challenge you, what will you do about it in 2016?
May this New Year be one where your relationships grow deeper and stronger.
