Self-Reflection- Month of August

Self-Reflection- the month of August

Self-Reflection for the month of August is important as we head into the fall and then on to the holiday season. We want to finish the year strong. This month for my self-reflection piece, I’m thinking about eternity. Specifically, what did I do this month that matters for eternity?

I want to stop here and thank all of you who have reached out to me after I shared that my husband suffered a heart attack. He is doing really well! I’m so thankful for the support that I feel in this community.

Now, back to Self-Reflection

Have you ever stopped to think about how our actions have an impact beyond our earthly lives? Most people think of this as legacy or how they will be remember on this earth, but I think of it in terms of HEAVEN. How are my actions impacting our eternal lives? Whether we want them to or not, many of our actions have eternal consequences. I hope that through my self-reflection, I will be more self-aware of my own actions. Did my actions have a positive, eternal consequence for those around me.

Our salvation, prayer, bible study, and church attendance all matter, but it’s the day in/ day out living that also has a big impact on eternity for ourselves and others. What good is it that I go to church, if I don’t treat people well outside the walls of the church? I want to focus on and be cognizant of how many of my actions in any given month matter for eternity.

Introspection- Self-Reflection

Here are some questions we can ask ourselves about our actions and eternity

Did I share God with others? I’m not talking about just sharing the Gospel with someone, although that is wonderful if we do. I’m talking about sharing our personal story with others. Have we shared how God has made a difference in our lives. Have we shared God’s word with others? Did I teach my children or grandchildren about God? Have I offered to pray for someone, AND followed through on that promise? Did I speak truth over a situation? Sharing God to our lost world matters for eternity.
Did I serve others? 1 Corinthians 12:7 says “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” Did I help others this month? Did I give money to my church? Did I physically help someone? Did I check on a friend who I knew was struggling? Did I do anything to help the poor or needy in my community? Serving other matters for eternity!
Did I show love and grace to those around me? I’m not going to lie. I’ve been in a bit of a funk lately! It is very “peoplely” out there! I’ve let several things that others have said or done really get me down. The big question is did I show those people love and grace? Am I quick to forgive when I feel slighted by someone? Have I had patience with my children and my husband? Have I apologized when I’ve done wrong. Have I willingly forgiven others? Have I expressed gratitude to others? Showing love and grace to others matters for eternity!

A Matter For Eternity

Do these things I’ve listed above really have eternal consequences? I believe they do. I write out a pray every morning in a prayer journal I’ve created using The Lord’s Prayer as a guide. Every morning, I pray the words “Thy Kingdom Come, and I write out what that line means for me that day. Having God reign over my life and live in obedience to his will brings his kingdom to earth. Sharing God’s love to others through grace, patience, and physical help all glorify God and bring his kingdom to this earth.

Matthew 6:33 says, ³³Seek the Kingdom of God^[a] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (NLT)

When we live in obedience in God’s Kingdom, it goes with us wherever we go. We are God’s spokespeople for what it means to be a Christian.

If I want others to want to go in the direction I’m headed- HEAVEN, I need to give them something positive to see along the journey. Who wants to follow someone who can’t even be nice while waiting in live at the store?

Eternal Consequences

When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment in Matthew 22:37-40, He replied,

“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’^[e]38This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’^[f]40The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (NLT)

Both of these commandments have eternal consequences. The first is for our own personal eternity in heaven. The second is for the eternity of others. What we do on this earth matters. It matters for eternity!