We are at that time of the year when we are likely to reflect on the past twelve months with awe or regret. The criteria used to determine success or failure reveals a vital picture of your bottom line. We are to judge how we treat others. What’s the bottom line for you? You be the judge. Heartfelt intent makes a difference to God.

As we look back upon the people, places and events of 2014 what do we see? Do we remember the day when it rained and we got splashed by a passing vehicle? Do we think about our loved ones that have transitioned or the peace that we can find in a room alone with God? Do we replay the times we got the ball into the net or lament the times the rim shot failed to score?

Our loving Father, the one that created each of us will allow us to choose. We have been given His owner’s manual to guide as we operate in this world.

Who would obtain a valuable one-of-a-kind object and not care for it with the intention of maintaining its optimal function?

Each of us has been provided with a body designed like nothing else in this world; unique. Our intricate functionality is more complex than any computer; designed in the image of our marvelous God.

How do we handle the precious lives we have been given? How do we show our regard for human life? How do we honor our Father? What’s the bottom line—for you? What is the reason for your being on this planet?

His, Mine, Yours

Is your intention to gain the most toys? Be in the two percent? What list or in what group do you desire to claim membership? What intention guides your thoughts, feelings, emotions, actions, behaviors and character? What’s your bottom line?

How many conversations have you been a part of where someone said, “Why did she do that?” or “If that had been me I never would have done it that way.” Said accompanied by the appropriate amount of I am so much better than they, punctuating the sentence with attitude.

It is though we all have situational amnesia related to any act that we have committed which was simply for self-aggrandizement. As if we have never: lied, cheated, stole, betrayed, been duplicitous, or caused someone else to stumble. We have all committed acts (with an “s”) against ourselves and others, thereby against our loving Creator.

As recorded in Matthew 22:36 when Jesus the Christ was on earth He was asked, what’s your bottom line? The exchange went like this:

“Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (KJV)

Those conversations we have, our actions, and the thoughts we have about who we are and what we have accomplished, reflect our bottom line. What’s your bottom line? It is reflected in the things that you say, that you do and those secret thoughts you have when no one is around. What’s your bottom line?

As this year comes to a close there are so many issues that divide nations from each other. In our neighborhoods we are divided. In our families we are divided. Even within ourselves we have conflicts. Hatred, distain, disrespect and loathing abound!

God is still on the throne. He is not asleep. The promises recorded in His word still stand. We are told in Matthew 5:8 by Jesus the Christ, “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” (KJV)

As we look toward the future and reflect on the past, it is my prayer that we wholeheartedly choose to be true to God’s bottom line. Time is short.

What’s your bottom line? Take Inventory and Take Action!

The fruit of what we have done in 2014 and our intentions in the future are evident in our actions, our conversations and our thoughts. Every one of us will give an account to God. Choose wisely.

Love,

Deborah

“Lighting the path to loving your neighbor as yourself.”