4 A slack hand causes poverty,
    but the hand of the diligent makes rich. (Proverbs 10:4 ESV)

In the day’s leading up to the first of the year, we need to be taking stock of our lives. We need to be assessing just how we are spending our time. Are our efforts toward only ourselves or are we working in a component of God’s Kingdom into our daily lives?

Life needs to be about more than just us. We should each be creating goals for the new year that include God’s plans and God’s use of our time, treasure and talents. How much are you contemplating on God in the new year? The contemplation of God and life are a far more worthwhile effort than we tend to make it. Early Christians spent considerable time in contemplation.

We spend so much time and effort on the things of life, but what will outlive us? What will live well beyond our lifespan? Are we leaving a mark only in the money we make or the things we have? Neither of which are truly lasting. No, a strong faith life that touches others is a lasting legacy.

This week is the time to contemplate just where we are in relation to our lives and our life in God.