Every
December, when magazines for the following month (i.e., January) arrive at
stores we read the predictable cover headlines. For example, there are catchy
phrases that address how to lose the holiday pounds we’ve gained (usually next
to a large cover photo of a delectable dessert to make!), how to organize our
homes and our lives, and how to get a head start on making New Year’s
resolutions—in other words, how to make a
fresh start.
There
is something very hopeful and appealing in the idea of new beginnings--we all
want a second chance to get something right. While there are some aspects of
our lives that don’t provide a ‘do over’, we recognize that there are many ways
in which we can recreate our lives (e.g., searching for a new job, getting fit
and healthy, or developing new relationships).
So,
after Christmas, as the current year winds down, many people begin to think
about the coming New Year’s celebration. For many people, part of this
preparation for a new year includes making resolutions. Some newer trends suggest
skipping the idea of aiming for specific goals and choosing a theme instead.
Others create a “bucket list”. Those who like to operate on a 3-5 year plan
create a “mission statement, which is a plan of action that outlines an
individual’s purpose and goals.
Whatever
approach we use to manage our lives, the busier life gets, the more we need
real solutions in our lives and the more we crave inner peace, a sense of
equilibrium. Many of us are seeking solutions, which provide balance in our
lives and in our homes. Our yearnings for inner peace may also be described as
our desires for a deeper spirituality. Although there is no standard definition
of spirituality, most people agree that it goes beyond religion. The National
Cancer Institute defines spirituality as, “Having
to do with deep, often religious, feelings and beliefs, including a person’s
sense of peace, purpose, connection to others, and beliefs about the meaning of
life,” From this definition,
it is apparent that faith plays a crucial role in spirituality.
How
do we evaluate our spirituality or our spiritual maturity? Does the answer lie
in a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach? Is there a check-list for spiritual
growth—is it a uniform process? Some people have reduced the idea of spiritual
development to a formula, which includes attending church services and engaging
in a daily quiet time (i.e., to read the Bible and pray). Other individuals
include daily Scripture readings from the Old and New Testament. And some folks
follow a reading “through the Bible in a year” approach. In the pursuit of a
deepening faith, these routines have worked for some individuals. However, not
everyone has found them to be helpful.
Finally,
another means that some people have found helpful in their spiritual walk is to
choose a Scripture verse or passage to use as a model and guide for daily
living. One popular verse comes from the Old Testament, and it is one of the
Scripture verses that Christians often aspire to fulfill: “But he’s [God] already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God
is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to
your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love. And don’t take yourself
too seriously—take God seriously,” (Micah 6:8, The Message). Jesus’ life
clearly demonstrated the directives outlined in Micah 6:8, and our mission is
to emulate Him. Our goal is to become increasingly like Him, but we will not
imitate Him perfectly. In Philippians 3: 12-21, the Apostle Paul emphasizes
that we need to focus on the goal of staying on track and following Christ. It
seems to me that Paul, in this passage, answers the question re: how
do we evaluate our spiritual growth. Maybe it’s less about getting an “A”,
taking a ‘report card’ approach. Maybe it’s more about determining the
direction in which we are headed. Like Paul, I am not claiming that I have this
all sorted out or have it all together.
However, “I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus.
I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” As we enter a new year,
maybe that’s the bottom line: forgetting our past shortcomings and failures and
keeping our eyes on Jesus, on becoming more like Him.
Many
blessings as you continue your spiritual journey. May your New Year be one that
is peace-filled and fulfilling.
Former
Officer
Canada
& Bermuda Territory
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