There are many areas that can show spiritual growth. The following are some of them. Do you show in your life the fruit of the Holy Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23). Out of the nine areas, how many areas in your life show a marked improvement? Thank God for the areas that have grown. For the areas in your life where growth is slow, work on them next year 2017. Memorise this verse. Write the areas to be improved on a card and put them on your table to constantly remind you.
The writer to the Book of Hebrews rebuked the Christians: “In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!” (Heb 5:12). Have you grown in the knowledge of God’s Word, including the various aspects of Christian theology, skill in interpreting God’s Word, being able to memorise numerous Bible verses, and having read the whole Bible and knowing the main contents of each of the 66 books? If you have not grown in knowledge, make it your goal next year to read a Christian theology book. You can pick up a book from the library. If you do not know which is suitable for you, ask me or a librarian to recommend you one.
Paul the apostle also urges us: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Gal 6:9-10). Have you been a blessing to a Christian in church? Have you been an encouragement to someone so that he or she now loves the Lord more, and is more faithful in attending worship service, in serving the Lord, in reading the Bible and prayer? Has someone come to know Jesus as Saviour because of your testimony and daily conduct, and your sharing the gospel with him? Jesus called us to be the light and the salt of the earth (Matt 5:13-14), that is, He expects us to change the world. I urge you to identify three persons whom you want to bring to church and bring him or her to know Jesus as Saviour. Enrol him or her in the Basic Bible Class. This is a simple course that can help a non-Christian know the most important truths so that that person can be saved. May you be a spiritual blessing to someone next year, especially to someone in church.
Do not waste away the year 2017. Do not waste your precious life. Set spiritual goals: grow in Christian character; grow in knowledge; grow in being a spiritual blessing to a non-Christian and a Christian in church.