I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

While the New Year is literally nothing more than another day on the calendar, this time between Christmas and New Year’s Day provides a pause of sorts. We can take a glimpse into the rearview mirror of our lives.

You may have read or heard that “the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior.” While it may be an oversimplification, it’s good to take a look back, because it can give us a clue as to where we are headed, right?

In the brief verse listed above, Paul sums up his life in three phrases that speak to his persevering faith in Christ.

• The Christian walk isn’t always easy. Sometimes we’re required to take a stand for the Gospel when it is less than popular.
• Finishing the race is the key, not merely starting and so Paul encourages us to persevere on our journey.
• Webster’s dictionary says that “keeping the faith” is to continue to believe in, trust, or support someone or something when it is difficult to do so.

So what do the last twelve months tell you about the trajectory of your life? Has your life reflected a pursuit of Christ above all things? What about your relationships? Your family?

The New Year serves to bring a new start in some ways. At the very least it is a marker in time. As we begin 2025 tomorrow, let’s keep Paul’s example in mind.