Philippians 3:12 – Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect,
but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

Whether you are still making New Year’s resolutions or you are just striving to be a faithful disciple, the goal for each of us should be to be a little better today than we were yesterday.  If you want to continue to grow, Timothy Diehl, writing for All-ProDad.com, proposed these 5 key questions to ask yourself.  I think they are great things to ask ourselves on a regular basis.

1. Who is influencing me? The key question is not whether you’re being influenced by others. It’s “Who is influencing me?”  These people will play a significant role in shaping your worldview. Choose wisely. Jim Rohn once said, “You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.” The Apostle Paul told the Corinthians, ‘Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”’ (I Corinthians 15:33)

2. Am I being intentional about spending time with my wife and kids? “Quality time doesn’t magically happen.” Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus and said, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time….” (Ephesians 5:15-16)

3. What makes me come alive right now? What do you believe you were made to do? You aren’t promised tomorrow, let alone next year. So don’t wait to discern your passions.  The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 3:13-14, “forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal….” James wrote “what is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” (James 4:14)

4. What do my checkbook and calendar say about me? Money and time are two of our most precious resources. So if you want to know what you really love—what you’re really committed to—check your checking account and your calendar. They’ll tell you what’s most important to you. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)

5. What am I afraid of? We’re all afraid of something. And your fear will help shape you. So be honest with yourself. Paul wrote to Timothy and said, “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

Spend some time asking yourself these 5 questions.  Strive to be a little bit better tomorrow than you were today.  Press on!