The Christmas holiday is past, and life goes on. Since the year 2021 is almost over and the new year will soon be here, now is a good time to stop and give this past year some time for worthwhile reflection.

Not a single one of us knows exactly how much longer we might live, if we will be given the “threescore and ten” or not, so it makes a lot of sense to live it wisely. It also needs to be remembered that God sees everything and He is recording what we do; and, one day – it will all be revealed. The meaning of “sowing and reaping” will certainly take effect at that time.

Thank God, that if you are a believer, the sins of your past have been erased. You have been justified. Your name has been written in the Lamb’s Book of Life and glory awaits – all of it is something to shout about! Praise God! Romans 6:6 tells us: “Knowing this, that our old man” (the way you lived before salvation) “is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.”

Although freed from the penalty of sin (Hell), the thing that needs to be remembered is that your rewards (not your salvation) are based on faithfulness and obedience to His Word. We have been redeemed – not to live the way we want – but according to the will of God.

With a fresh year coming soon, this would be the ideal time to make some desirable changes in your life. Take a pause in your day (or this week) to evaluate how you have lived and what you have accomplished for God this year. To help you, I encourage you to consider the following questions:

• Have you lived in such a way that God will be pleased when you stand before Him at the Judgment?
• Will you be happy to have all your secret actions and thoughts revealed for all to see?
• If you knew you would die tomorrow, are there some things in your life you would want to change?
• Are you doing what you know God expects of believers: reading your Bible daily, faithful church attendance, tithing, prayer, seeking to be an example, etc.?
• Have you helped others to come to Christ during this past year?

After a pause for reflection, pray and ask God to help you see what areas need improvement. Then, jot down those things and ask for His help to implement them into your life this coming year.

Since none of us are yet perfect, it means we all have some room to grow. God provides power and blessing to His children that serve Him. While He will never force anyone to serve Him, be aware that you cannot beat His eternal rewards! After we get to glory, there is little doubt that we will say – after having lived for God – that it was worth it all!

If there is someone reading this and you know you are not yet saved, why not make today the day to get saved? After all – you do not know how long you will live, either! Remember, too, you live one life, then you die – then you face the judgment of God (Hebrews 9:27)! There is no redo and there will be no appeals! Let me encourage you to make that decision to trust Christ and get saved today!