I think you would agree with me that HOW we enter the new year will largely determine HOW better or successful 2014 will be. Before we finally bid farewell to 2013, perhaps we need to take a moment with God to be ready for twenty 14?

The first thing to DO is to LET GO.

Let go of your PAST. This could be a wrong you have done or think you have committed against God or others that you regret. This has caused you to carry guilt, shame and condemnation upon yourself and unknowingly, this has disabled you in living life forward to the fullest.

Let it go. God forgives you. So forgive yourself.

Perhaps letting go of your PAST is forgiving those who have hurt or disappointed you with their words or actions. This has caused seeds of bitterness and resentment to grow like ‘weeds’ in your life. Similarly, I encourage you to let it go.

Just as He has graciously forgiven you, extend that same grace to those that might have hurt you. You are doing yourself more good than for the other party.

Philippians 3:13-14, “…..But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead….”

Remember, LET GO. You do not need to bring excess baggage into your new year. You need to throw the thrash out to make room for new good stuff that God wants to give you in 2014.

4 things NOT to do in 2014:

1. Do not COMPARE. (Galatians 6:4-5)

2. Do not GOSSIP. (1 Thessalonians 4:11)

3. Do not PROCRASTINATE. (Ephesians 5:16-17)

4. Do not BE UNEQUALLY YOKED. (2 Corinthians 6:14-15)

I will not elaborate on the first three points as they are quite self-explanatory. These are unhealthy ‘habits’ that can hamper your development. However, please allow me to expound on point 4.

The term “unequally yoked” is usually referred to in finding a spouse, but the underlying principle is often overlooked. That principle is partnering or forging alliance with those with like-minded or similar values and outlook of life.

As we approach 2014, some of us might need to EVALUATE your relationships. The right people in your life add to the focus of what God is doing and the wrong people will become a distraction or even a destruction.

These questions would be useful in evaluating your relationships:

“Who am I allowing to influence (being yoked) my life in shaping my values and destiny?”

“Is this relationship ‘toxic’? Breeding unhealthy consequences?”

“Am I drawing closer to God and discovering/fulfilling His purpose for me through this relationship?”

Please do not misinterpret that I’m suggesting we abandon those relationships that you might conclude as toxic or undesirable. But in some cases, that might be necessary.

What I’m saying is that you might want to reconsider your PRIORITY (time and resources) you give to your relationships in your life.

This coming year, give the right priority to the right people at the right time and season of your life. The wrong people (even  a Christian friend or group) can distract you. Allow God to lead you. He has the BEST for you!

An awesome 2014 is ahead. Get ready. And happy new year!