The New Year Tradition

Every new year, most of us consider our current situation and try to balance it against some ideal we've formulated for ourselves. It's a way to measure progress--or lack thereof--and helps us determine what adjustments might bring us closer to the mark. The new year is also a good time to consider the validity of our ideals, that is, are they still compatible with who we truly want to be. I'd like to offer a couple of questions to consider for 2008.

• If I win the mega-lottery this year, what will I likely do with the wealth?

Jesus said "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." That's King James English for "follow the money." Or in other words, what you do with your money says more about your values/what you value than whatever your mouth might be saying.

• If I didn't have to work for a living, what would I do with my time?

Money isn't the only currency we spend that might lend some insight into our values. In fact, given our cultural predisposition to "gainful employment," and the time it consumes every day of our lives, our use of precious free time might give a clearer view of what we treasure than any other standard.

• Is my life and living consistent with what I say "I'm all about?"

The scriptures encourage us to "let your yes be yes and your no be no." It's called integrity. It's the reason we spurn liars and honor truth-tellers. It's also the source of guilt and stress for many of us, as we try to balance our consciences against our mouths and conduct. When we confront someone whose anger or "presence" we find intimidating--or at least influential--do we state our position simply, or do we quietly concede, consenting to their values at the expense of our own. Disagreement doesn't have to mean violence. Argument hasn't always been a negative term. A simple statement of disagreement may actually open the door for healthy discussion. We are instructed to "be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within us" so that whenever the opportunity arises, we might change our world with our conversation. Moreover, regardless of our potential as a change agent, we preserve intact our integrity and conscience.

• Is my job representative of my values, or simply a means to an end?

Most of us work for a living. Some of us carefully chose a career based on a set of criterion. Perhaps more of us took a job because it's what was available at a time we needed work, with a paycheck being the principle and possibly lone criteria. If the job is not consistent with your internalized value set, it can be an ongoing source of stress. By the same token, if it meets your financial needs and you are comfortable with using it as your "marketplace" for the free exchange of ideas, it might actually be a source of joy. Remember: Life is too short to spend in tight shoes or a bad fitting job.

• If you are a Christian, does your life reflect the presence of Christ within you? Is it obvious that you serve the King and that His Kingdom is more important than yours?

This is also an issue of integrity. People living in agreement with their purpose/s, typically find greater joy and sense of fulfillment than not.

Investing yourself in the cause you believe in most strongly is never a mistake. Never let someone else second guess what is your passion. By the same token, it is always appropriate to take time to take stock of yourself to determine what needs to change, what merits strengthening, and what gives you pause to smile with satisfaction that you are "Right on track!"