Inventory Time
I was recently sharing with our congregation that during this time of the year, I like to set aside some time to take "inventory" of my life. I find that the transition of the year is a good time to take a look at the developments that have been made over the past 12 months, thanking God for progress, and also highlighting areas that still need work. There are three areas that I normally focus on...
Personally - This includes me as a person... Allow yourself to honestly answer questions like: How are my relationships? How is my family? Am I emotionally strong? Have I been faithful and diligent? Am I a man of my word? Do I have financial debt that needs to be cleared? Am I providing well for my family?
Spiritually - This area could arguably be the most important. Review the foundational areas such as: how is your personal time with the Lord? Do you only study the Word when you're preparing to preach? Is your prayer time deeper than it was 12 months ago?
The People I Lead - As I observe the lives of the people I am leading (whether in my family, in business, in the community, or in ministry), are they stronger than they were a year ago? Have I added value to their lives? Has their faith increased? Is there a new season that God is calling them into that I can help them fulfill?
Allow me to encourage you, leader, to take some time before the year ends, to take a personal inventory. What successes have you had? What areas still need attention? What is God asking you to do? Proverbs 16:9 says, "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps". Share your heart with the Father, share your dreams and aspirations with Him, allow Him to direct you and more than likely, the results will be greater than you imagined. It's inventory time!
