Are you prepared to finish the year well? If not, let’s figure out why.
First, don’t accept defeat. It is possible to finish the year well. A learning curve might be necessary. Take an investigative look at daily routines, current circumstances, and go-to behaviors. To skip this step is to continue the status quo and be no better off next year than we are right now.
A personal inventory is a gift we give ourselves. It allows us to look over the past twelve months and see both the highs and the lows. What has triggered stress and what has contributed to peace of mind? Stress levels are less when unfinished business doesn’t carry over into another year. If possible, let’s choose to tie up loose ends before year’s end.
Exploring three specific areas:
1. Personal Relationships
Consider personal relationships. Are they heading in God-pleasing directions? Or am I at an impasse with someone, harboring a grudge, or sabotaging that relationship? Be honest. Is God asking me to initiate a conversation? Why is it important to reconcile with this person? How will ignoring the situation negatively impact the new year?
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18
2. Is there a temptation to resist?
Consider the temptations. Name those that cause the biggest struggle. Then ask, how does God want me to respond? Is He asking me to no longer hang out with a particular group of friends, give up a harmful habit or addiction, or get help to overcome a troublesome character trait? Think about what will be gained, and what life can look like a year from now, if the temptation is removed. Also envision what life will look like if I don’t turn the other way? Then choose whether I am willing to, with God’s help, heed His counsel?
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone. James 1:13
But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. James 1:14
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
3. Money Management
Consider the money. Money ranks among the biggest causes of stress and family arguments. Money is a huge part of our day-to-day lives. Unfortunately talking about money is difficult for many people/couples to do. When they do it’s hard to come to agreement on how to stretch those dollars far enough to make ends meet.
To end the year well financial stability needs to outpace poor money habits. What can turn the situation around?
More Than 2,500 Verses
God desires us to be successful in our money life. The Bible has more than 2,500 verses that talk about how to manage money.
Living a budget friendly lifestyle is important. We all need a spending plan that guides our dollars. We start with a look at how money was spent over the past year. The checkbook and credit card statements won’t lie. Be eager to learn where the money went.
Examine Spending
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? [Jesus] Luke 14:28
Was more spent than earned? Do I make spontaneous purchases? Is more spent on wants than needs? Or am I a tightwad? Do I regularly save a portion of my income? Am I generous with those in need? Once a personal financial inventory is taken, ask the next important question: How will I adjust my spending habits in the new year?
Out of control finances cause trouble. Don’t ignore the warning signs. Help can be found. Crown Financial Ministries and Compass 1 are two excellent online sites ready to offer classes and guidance. This decision will begin a lifetime of blessings. All it takes is to have a desire to change and a heart to learn. This puts you on track to finish well.
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless. Ecclesiastes 5:16
Coaches Corner:
If finishing well is something you’re ready to improve upon, but aren’t sure where to start, I’d be honored to discuss this with you. The first 30 minute session is always free. https://www.rebuildingfamilies.net/life-coach/
Prayer:
Forgive us Lord. Where we have allowed pride and foolish choices to become strongholds, break those chains. May our eyes be focused on Your will above our own. Fill us with the humility needed to reconcile fractured relationships, and the strength to give up temptations that are keeping us from finishing well. Our heart’s desire is to please You. Amen
Photo by: Heather Ford on Unsplash
