LET’S TAKE A STOCK

[Pastor Bayo Afolaranmi]

Dearly Beloved,

LET’S TAKE A STOCK

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you — unless, of course, you fail the test?” (2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV).

It is the end of another year! The journey of another 365 days is about to come to an end. Just in few days, we will be in another year. Glory be to God! It is the usual practice of most companies to take stock of their activities for a financial year at the end of such year to ascertain their profits, loss, assets and liabilities. It is good for each of us to take stock of not only our businesses, but our lives, especially spiritual lives. You were at a point in your spiritual life at the beginning of this year. Have you improved on or even maintained that level? Can you say you have grown older and better spiritually this year? Many resolutions were made at the beginning of this year. How far could you go in line with those resolutions? You set a goal for yourself at a point in time this year. How far could you achieve such goal?

Having discussed many issues with the Corinthians church in his epistles to them, Apostle Paul enjoined them to examine themselves to see whether they are still in the faith. Likewise, having sent messages to you every week this year, I am also encouraging you to examine yourself. Evaluate yourself. How will you rate yourself this year? Are you below average, on average, or above average? If you rate below average, do not be discouraged. You still have the opportunity to do better next year. If you rate above average, I congratulate you. However, do not relax next year till your average becomes the best. There is a song we used to sing when I was in primary school that goes thus: Good, better, best; I shall never rest; until my good is better; and my better is best. Join Apostle Paul to boast, “I can do everything through [Jesus Christ] who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13 NIV).

As the year runs to an end, taking stock of our lives will really help us to fare better in the coming year. By His grace, the year 2014 will be far better for you in all ramifications in Jesus’ name. Amen.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).