
It's Wise to Make a Regular Spiritual Assessment
It's always near the back of my mind that I will one day give an account (Rom. 14:12) for how I stewarded my life and that there are eternal rewards (Rev. 11:18 & 22:12 and 2 John 1:8). My friends, our time here is so short when compared to the riches of eternity.
Jesus admonishes us in John 15:16 that He wants fruit and fruit that will remain. In other words long term results. Lives that are impacted in such a way so that they to impact eternity as well. In fact, God just doesn't want us to impact lives, Psalm 137:14-17 and Jeremiah 1:5 reveal that God has planned a divine destiny for each person. You and I each have an assignment. Vision helps us articulate that assignment.
Use Your Vision and Missions to Look Back
Your vision is your overall target, your overall assignment. Your missions describe how you will accomplish that vision. Therefore, I use our visions and missions to judge what is produced. Are the results contributing to the overall assignment.
As I look back, I want to consider two scriptures.
- Philippians 3:13-14 - Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
So looking back requires discernment. Don't dwell on things you ought to be forgetting and remember, even meditate upon those things that are praiseworthy. Think about the results and what was produced that brags on Jesus! What glorifies His name? What did you do that perhaps was an answer to a prayer He prayed or exhorted us to do?
Wisdom Gazes into the Future but only Glances at the Past!