While Christmas Day has passed, the celebration of Jesus never stops.  But immediately after Christmas commercials about the new year start popping up.  These commercials run the gamut.  From weight loss programs to gym memberships, to enrolling in a course, or a degree program. Without a doubt marketers are strategic.  Marketers understand that human beings are designed to be forward-looking and hopeful.  Hope is embedded in our DNA.  We were designed by our God of Hope (Romans 15:13).

However, Purposeful actions that create future outcomes require purposeful reflection about the past and the present.  You must strategically reflect on your life experiences and learn from them to move forward with intention.  

Self-Reflection is Rooted in Scripture

Self-Reflection is rooted in scripture.  Here are 8 passages to consider: [1]

• 2 Corinthians 13:5 — “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realise that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?”
  
• Galatians 5:22-23 — “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
  
• James 1:22-24 — “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”
  
• Romans 12:2 — “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
  
• 1 Corinthians 11:28-29 — “Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ, eat and drink judgment on themselves.”
  
• Lamentations 3:40 — “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.”
  
• Psalm 119:59-60 — “I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.”
  
• Matthew 7:3-5 — “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
  

Invite God in Your Reflection to Make it Purposeful

You and the LORD are co-authors concerning your purpose story. Nothing in your life experience is meaningless.   God knows you intricately (Psalm 139). So, it makes sense to invite God into your reflection process.   2021 may have had its ups and downs, triumphs, and tragedies, but when you re-frame these experiences through the eyes of God, you begin to capture a different perspective on your experiences (Romans 8:28).

When I was in the military, I learned the concept of what is called the After-Action Review.  This is where after you have executed the mission, you use the framework to reflect and think critically about the outcome of the mission.   The After Action Review uses the following framework:

• What Happened?
• What did You intend?
• What Can you learn about it?
• What should you do next time?

I want to encourage you that before you move forward in setting goals for the new year, carve out some time to think about some key themes in your life whether it be around faith, relationships, finances, family, work, purpose, calling, etc. then begin using the framework prayerfully garner insights on those themes.

Set the Stage for a Purposeful Future

Purposeful reflection should be a catalyst that moves you to action.  A creative way to not only reflect on the past but also envision the future is to write a letter to your past self and your future self.  This leverages the power of a story or narrative to help you clarify your thoughts.  

I saw this concept come alive in the drama series Colin in Black and White where the series depicts the formative years of Colin Kaepernick the all-star athlete and activist. Colin writes a letter to his future self from the perspective with experiences, lessons, and insights he has garnered to inspire the young Colin.  Very creatively done!   I want to encourage you to give it a try as well.  Write a letter to your past self and future self. Here is a tool you can use as a framework to get going.

The new year is coming.  Look back to move forward through the lens of purpose.  Not sure what your purpose is?  Sign up for the free course Uncluttered:  How to Discover Your Purpose through Your Life Story.

[1] Francis, A. (2016, June 22). 8 Bible verses on the importance of self-examining your spiritual life. Christian Today. Retrieved December 27, 2021, from https://www.christiantoday.com/article/8-bible-verses-on-the-importance-of-self-examining-your-spiritual-life/88893.htm