Hebrews 6:1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God

Growing up, we had a doorpost leading into the kitchen where Mama and Daddy measured our growth. They’d put our back against the doorpost and, using a ruler or a book, they’d carefully make a mark. The difference between the lower mark and the higher represented our physical growth.

As a child, I knew I was growing. The fact that my pants legs were too short and looked like I was preparing for a flood served as evidence. Though I saw this evidence, it was still a great feeling when Daddy pulled that ruler away and we turned to see a mark higher up on the doorpost. There is the old mark and here is the new mark. Growth had indeed taken place. I was able to clearly compare a past growth mark to my current state.

Some never make that mark. Some never engage in self-examination. Some never drive a clear stake in the ground and declare it as the baseline for determining growth.

As we approach the changing of the year, this is a great time to take that measure of our current spirit. Between today and tomorrow, I’ll be sitting, probably more than once, and taking stock of my current spirit. I’ll look at the measurement I took last year and I’ll compare to the current measure. God will reveal growth. How much higher is the mark this year than the mark last year? Based on this mark, I’ll lay out a plan of daily activities, with periodic milestones. I’ll set calendar reminders and post reminders in highly visible places.

As we close this year, take a moment to back up against the doorpost of your mind and allow God to reveal a measure. Consider the state of the spirit within. Let Him place a mark. We can’t measure the growth if we never take the baseline measure. How will we know we have grown if we have no mark to compare?

Get clear on the current state of spirit. Strive to clarify and focus. Consume spiritual nourishment and exercise spiritual gifts. Be amazed, at the end of 2019, to step back and look at the growth experienced through God’s leading and grace.