10 Questions for 2010

It’s the New Year and that means it’s time for resolutions. Of course, resolutions can be bad if you make vows you don’t keep or set standards for yourself without relying on the gospel to change you and forgive you. But if done in the right way I find resolutions a helpful way to clarify priorities and goals.

Recently, in our pastors group, we decided to be more precise in how we want to be held accountable. So we each set off to write a series of questions.  My ten questions are below. They reflect my own weaknesses and temptations. If you are one of the three pastors I meet with every other week, you better ask me these questions. If you belong to University Reformed Church and like to pray for your pastor, feel free to use these questions to guide you in your prayers for me. For everyone else, feel free to tailor these questions in whatever ways might be helpful.

1. Am I spending time slowly reading God’s word and memorizing Scripture?

2. Am I having consistent, focused, extended times of prayer, including interceding for others?

3. Am I disciplined in my use of technology, in particular not getting distracted by emails and blogging in the evening and on my day off?

4. Am I going to bed on time?

5. Am I eating too much?

6. Have I exercised in the last week?

7. Am I patient with my kids or am I angry with them when they disobey or behave in childish ways?

8. When at home, am I “fully present” for my wife and family or are my mind and energy elsewhere?

9. Am I making sermon preparation a priority in my week or am I doing other less important things first?

10. Have I done anything out of the ordinary to cherish and help my wife?