Future

Good morning!

Towards the end of each year, my mind starts to go into evaluation mode. Looking back over the year and thinking of how I wanted the year to go as it began and what has happened to sync up with that….or not.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is “there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1  It is a favorite because it keeps me from looking back in shame and guilt. That is all removed. What I have now is an opportunity. An opportunity to evaluate, be aware, choose, and grow from it.

It is helpful to first and foremost decide where we are going. If you can project into the future and decide what your highest value is in life, then all the things you do on a day to day basis are either leading toward that or not. If your value is in money, and you think that will make you ultimately happy, then you will put your efforts into that more than anything else. You can substitute anything else in there as your “high value” thing and then evaluate your daily actions to see if they line up.

However, I would even say that questioning the highest value goal you have in life is worth pondering. If you look at other people who have tons of money, are they happy or fulfilled? Is that your most valued goal? And, again, you can substitute anything else in that place.

Things like money, a fit body, the “perfect” relationship might be what we think we value at times in our life, but I think most of us know people who have any of those things that still struggle.

So, to me, my highest value is in knowing and loving God and serving Him and people. Eternity is my end goal- for me and for others. So, my daily steps should always be leading me there. Yes, having a healthy mind and body will help me to get there too. Our health can sometimes deter us, especially if we know we could be doing better and we are choosing not to. Money can help us help others, also. However, a goal of lots of money usually becomes selfish and unrewarding. 

There are so many things we use to fill voids. The true void-filler is our Creator who knows exactly what we need at all times. When we have our eyes on Him, we don’t need to fill voids with distractions or little gods. 

So, where are you going? Look back over the year and see where you took steps toward what you value. Where can you make adjustments for the future, starting right now?

“Those who are motivated by the flesh only pursue what benefits themselves. But those who live by the impulses of the Holy Spirit are motivated to pursue spiritual realities. For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set controlled by the Spirit finds life and peace.” Romans 8:5-6 TPT