THINGS A CHRISTIAN SHOULD DO AS HE OR SHE CLOSES THE YEAR

TEXT: Ecclesiastes 12:13

Ecclesiastes 12:13 – “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”

Who is a Christian?

1. Christians are people who have put their faith in Jesus Christ, accepting Him as their Lord and Savior, and have been born again by the Holy Spirit. – John 3:3-6 (KJV) – 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

2. A Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ, who seeks to obey His teachings, live according to His example, and bear fruit for His kingdom. – Matthew 4:19-20 (KJV) – 19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. 20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

Definition:

Things a Christian should do as he or she closes the year is saying that a Christian should engage in spiritual reflection, evaluation, and preparation as the year comes to a close, ensuring they are aligned with God’s will and purposes for the upcoming year.

What to do:

1. Reflect on your spiritual journey: Take time to reflect on your spiritual journey throughout the year, acknowledging accomplishments, setbacks, and areas for improvement. – Psalm 119:59 (KJV) – 59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

2. Evaluate your relationship with God: Evaluate the state of your relationship with God, ensuring you are cultivating a deeper intimacy with Him through prayer, Bible study, and obedience. -Revelation 2:4-5 – 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

3. Seek forgiveness and healing: Seek forgiveness for past mistakes and hurts, and ask for healing and restoration in areas where you may have been wounded or damaged. 1 John 1:9 – 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

4. Set goals and make plans for the upcoming year: Set spiritual, personal, and professional goals for the upcoming year, making plans to achieve them and seeking God’s guidance and direction. Proverbs 16:9 – 9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

5. Commit to obedience and faithfulness: Commit to obeying God’s commands and being faithful to His will and purposes for your life in the upcoming year. – Psalm 119:106 (KJV) – 106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.

Conclusion:

As a Christian, it is essential to close the year by reflecting on your spiritual journey, evaluating your relationship with God, seeking forgiveness and healing, setting goals and making plans, and committing to obedience and faithfulness. By doing so, you will be well-prepared to face the challenges and opportunities of the upcoming year.

Prayer points:

1. Oh Lord, as I close this year, help me to reflect on my spiritual journey and evaluate my relationship with You, that I may identify areas for improvement and growth. – Psalm 119:59 – 59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

2. Lord, I ask for Your forgiveness and healing in areas where I may have been wounded or damaged, that I may be restored and renewed for the upcoming year. 1 John 1:9 – 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

3. Oh God, I commit to obeying Your commands and being faithful to Your will and purposes for my life in the upcoming year, that may fulfil Your plans and bring glory to Your name. Psalm 119:106 – 106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.

Rev. Dr. A.A Obe