Complete Your Year-End Review

A productive way to set goals is to reflect on your past accomplishments and missed opportunities from the past year. You can achieve this effectively by evaluating how you spent your time in 2025.

Ephesians 5:15-17 says, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

Time is an important focal point in our lives, and there are two key areas for you to examine:

The first area focuses on your relationships. Start by asking yourself which relationships in your life are helping you grow and which ones are not. Be mindful of whom you allow to influence your life, as those in your inner circle can significantly impact you. It's essential to surround yourself with the right people. Consider removing any harmful or unhealthy voices from your life. Seek out individuals who will challenge, encourage, and pray for you.
Additionally, reflect on how you treat others. Would you be seen as a trusted friend and a Christ-like example? Are you uplifting those around you, or are you bringing them down with a negative attitude? If you find yourself being hurtful or selfish rather than merciful and selfless, take the time to confess and commit to blessing others in the coming year. You may discover that you have been more focused on judging and seeking revenge instead of fostering kindness and support.

The second area to consider is whether you are actively seeking God's will regarding how you spend your time. Ask yourself the following questions: What are your responsibilities, and are they truly necessary? Family, work, and school often take priority, but what about the other minutes in your day? Are there responsibilities that you could delegate or eliminate altogether? Are you engaged in activities that align with what God wants for you? Reflecting on these questions will help you evaluate how you use your time.

As a result, you may need to remove some unnecessary tasks that are not yielding any positive results—in other words, activities that do not glorify God or advance His kingdom on earth. Additionally, if you identify any habits that contradict God's will for your life, it's important to confess them immediately to experience a breakthrough in the new year.
By carefully reflecting on your past and addressing any unproductive behaviors, you will improve your present and future. Pray for God's guidance in these areas.
Prayer: Dear Father, in 2026, I ask you to help me recognize the changes I need to make. Help me be a blessing, not a burden, to the people in my life. Please give me a focus on giving rather than getting, and provide me with the strength to be consistent in seeking you.