At the end of the year, we take stock.

Jesus once said: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).

This is where we draw up a profit and loss account and compare the two. What is profit? What is loss?

There is hope. One who balances the books. One who saves damaged souls and gives new life: Jesus Christ. He says: “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest“ (Matthäus 11,28). No matter what the balance of your life looks like at the moment.

Before the end of the year, it is good to take a time out, give God our loss, surrender to God and start into the new year with God’s help.

Rashi, a Jewish scholar, made it clear: “When a person is judged, he stands alone before his Creator. He has no one to whom he can transfer responsibility (for his actions) or to whom he can hold himself accountable for his mistakes.”

What matters is not where we stand, but in which direction we are moving.