As the year 2024 ended and year 2025 starts, there is a need to reflect on the outgone year and retool for the new year. It is not unusual for people to make New Year's resolutions. Given this, I bring you thoughts from C.S. Lewis, the things he chose to quit to grow closer to God. Let’s go!

1. 1. Quit pouring time into things that don’t add value to your life - This is a good time to take stock and review our lives in the form of our day-to-day activities. How many hours do you spend on various social media platforms? Or what kind of TV, news, entertainment, books, videos do you invest in? Do they nourish your soul or draw you closer to God? If they don’t, it might be time to review and weed them out. Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like ignorant people, but like wise people. Make good use of every opportunity you have because these are evil days.” Matthew 6:19-21 says, “Do not store up riches for yourselves here on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and robbers break in and steal…for your heart will always be where your riches are.” Because Jesus is in you, what in your heart might you quit because it adds zero value? It is vital to prioritize valuable experience that nourishes the soul and relationships.
2. Quit hanging out with the wrong people - Do your circle of friends add value to you? Do you have friends or family that hinder your moral and spiritual growth? 1 Cor. 15:33 says, “Do not be fooled, bad companions ruin good character.” It is essential to surround yourself with people that uplift, encourage and challenge you rather than those who pull you and other such negative or toxicities. Reflect on this, are there relationships that you have that simply bring you down? This is a good time to review and retool for the new year. Proverbs 13:20 – “Keep company with the wise, and you will become wise; if you make friends with stupid people, you will be ruined.”
3. Quit criticizing and judging people – Possible to see others as God sees them? Worthy of love and grace. It is crucial to stop the gossip and the backbiting. C.S. Lewis saw a correlation between stunted spiritual growth and criticizing and judging others. All the sins of the heart and mouth affect our own growth, so quit thinking if there is no relationship between your spiritual growth and passing judgment and criticisms on others.

Next week, we shall continue from here. May the peace that Christmas brings abide with you forever. Amin!