I’m beginning my annual personal evaluation of 2015. For my family and me, it was a year of transition. We moved to a new church, new preschool, new home and new area where almost everything has been different. We’ve experienced adjustments, and I’m now at the time every year where I begin to evaluate and plan. While I’ll not advocate specific resolutions, thinking on the upcoming new year is a good time to consider your spiritual well-being. Here are some thoughts as we move into 2016.

1. No one sets a resolution to remain spiritually stagnant for the new year, but spiritual stagnation is often the result of the choices we make. Some things about our spiritual life are beyond our control–circumstances, changes, health issues, family issues, etc. But other things, like spiritual disciplines, we do control. May I make an observation? If your spiritual life did not develop as you had hoped in 2015, do something different in 2016. Don’t remain stagnant. If need be, use a devotional guide like My Utmost for His Highest, or a new Bible reading plan. Begin a prayer journal. Memorize a verse of Scripture every month, etc. In other words, add a discipline to your devotional life this year to avoid spiritual stagnation.
2. Don’t think of surprises, transitions, or challenges as enemies to your spiritual life. Rather, allow God to use the circumstances you can’t see coming in the new year to drive you to seek him. Having to sense God’s direction with clarity this year forced me to pause, listen and discern God’s will. Instead of complaining or worrying about the unknown and unexpected, embrace it as an opportunity to grow closer to Christ.
3. Build on your already established good habits. Maybe you enjoy a strong devotional life, attend church regularly, and serve in your church in some capacity. Amen! Continue in those practices and build on them in 2016. If you attend church 2x a month, then build on that habit and try for 3x. You can also use your area of service as a means of developing your spiritual life. God regularly uses my sermon preparation as a means of spiritual correction in my life. Take time to ask God how singing in the choir or praise team, teaching a children’s Sunday school class or serving as an usher can become a place of spiritual growth in your own life.
4. Explore the God-ordained means of relationships as means of spiritual growth. One of the most important tools God will ever use to mold and change you is another person. Get to know people who are spiritually mature. Take them to lunch or have them over for dinner and ask them about their walk with Christ. Talk with those who have experienced similar challenges and circumstances to yourself. God gives us others so we don’t have to walk this Christian pilgrimage alone.

These thoughts are not exhaustive, but I trust they are encouraging. I hope and pray 2016 will be a year of spiritual growth in your life.

I’m beginning a new sermon series called ‘Tis the Season that will last through New Year. Over the next several weeks, I’ll be dealing with a variety of themes such as showing mercy, giving thanks, as well as several Christmas themed sermons. Each of my sermons will have a specific application point that can be put into practice. If interested, you can follow my sermons here.

One of the main reasons I’m writing is that the holidays can be an emotional time of year. On one hand, they can be joyous, fun, and entertaining. On the other hand, the holidays can be can be lonely, troubled, and difficult. Between decorating and travel, family and friends, and programs and parties, the holidays are busy.

Let me provide some suggestions that might assist us in having a blessed rather than burdened holiday season.

1. Take time to be thankful. Too often the busyness and events of the holidays demand all of our time and attention. Find some time to pause, pray, and especially give thanks for all the blessings God has given you.
2. Be quick to forgive. Christmas is a time of giving. Let us give forgiveness to that family member, friend, neighbor or co-worker with whom we have a broken relationship.
3. Slow down. I realize I’m asking a lot here because most of us work hard to get ready to take time away for travel and other activities. Please don’t let the activities of the season drown out your ability to slow down and enjoy the true meaning of the season.
4. Give a little extra. The Christmas season is a popular time to give above your tithes to help those in need. Christmas reminds us of the greatest gift—salvation through Jesus Christ. If any season should lead us to generosity, it is Christmas.
5. Make time for someone who might be lonely. For many, the holidays represent who is no longer An important ministry this season could be simply spending time with someone who is alone. You can be their gift by just making time for them.
6. Remember the season’s Reason. We would have little reason to thanks were God not so good and faithful to us. We would have no reason to celebrate Christmas without the advent of the Christ-child and his redemptive purpose for coming to earth. Above all else this season, think of Christ.