As the year 2024 comes to a close, we typically receive a year-end assessment from our affiliated organisation. For working adults, there are performance and development goals set from the start of the year, possibly with some additions or changes made along the way. You would likely be assessed based on the deliverables for these goals and whether expectations were met, or even exceeded. As for students, the nervous wait for report cards would culminate in receiving your (hopefully) expected subject grades. Similarly, these may occur during other times of the year (e.g. mid-year report card).
By and large, one would find that their “2024 Report Card” is within expectations. In other words, we often know how well (or not well) we have performed for the year. Indeed, I am suggesting that each of us has an innate ability to somewhat accurately perceive ourselves. Looking back, I would be well aware of a particular goal, knowing whether I had underachieved or overachieved it. If this is not already something you consciously do, this article serves to encourage all of us to carefully consider the act of self-examination. A thorough and sincere self-examination of ourselves requires a proper standard and an honest evaluation. In turn, this creates value and ensures sustained relevance for the organisation we are associated with. The end of 2024 serves as a good opportunity for a solemn reflection.
As you might have already expected, this principle of self-examination translates wonderfully to the Church setting (c.f. Lam 3:40, 2 Cor 13:5). We learn to ask God to help us in doing this (c.f. Psa 139:3, 23-24) – Who else better than He who knows us through and through?
At this point in time, with our secular “2024 Report Card” concluded, it would be prudent for us to consider its spiritual counterpart. As a member of the Lord’s Church, let us consider our individual contributions in 2024 to our local congregation. Better still, be open to sharing this piece of reflection with your brethren, exercising full integrity during this introspective study. With various areas of service (evangelism, edification, benevolence, fellowship, etc.), take your time to recollect or even make a written list of your works. Obviously, the purpose of this exercise is not for comparing the amount of work done (leave that to God!) – Rather, it is for us to be clear on the value we have created and added in His Kingdom (c.f. Col 3:23-24).
Having established the above, we want to ensure that the work we are doing is sustainable, even as we press on with the end in sight (c.f. Mt 6:19-20). Every individual will know best and understand his or her time spent in commitment to the Lord. A careful consideration of burnout balanced against having a capacity to do more is important in fighting a good fight and keeping the faith (c.f. 2 Tim 4:7, Rev 2:10). With our 2024 contributions in mind, think about what had gone well and what could have been done better, especially when considering our brethren and the Church (the bigger picture). Moving forward, what can we do more of? What should we do less of? Regardless of your personal answer, it is important that we ensure we do our part in the Lord’s Kingdom (c.f. Eph 2:19-22).
Despite this article being one calling for self-examination at the end of 2024, let us not be limited by this time of the year but consistently take a pause to reflect on our spiritual status. Do not be mistaken – At the end of the day, the one we are answerable to is God (c.f. Isa 33:22, Rev 20:11-15). May we continue to do what has been working well and look to strengthen our identified areas of need. Onward to 2025 and working together in His vineyard!
Ask Yourself:
Suggested Answers:
NA – Personal reflection ☺