As we come to the end of another year and look forward to the next there are three words that should be of special interest to us. They are: retrospective, introspective and prospective.

Retrospective means “looking back on or directed to the past” (Webster). There are two ways we can look upon the experiences of the past—as stepping stones or stumbling blocks. Paul said, “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing, I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13,14). He did not allow his past successes, or injuries to get in the way of progress toward the goal that he was seeking.

On the other hand, we should not forget the lessons learned from failures and successes. 

 Introspective is “to look within one’s own mind, feelings, etc; observation and analysis of oneself” (Webster). Paul said, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Prove yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?-unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Cor. 13:5). How would our souls look if we had a photograph of them? James likened the word of God to a mirror that reflects what we are, as it reveals what we should be. “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was” (Jas. 1:23,24).

The only ones who can truly know our hearts are ourselves and God. The Psalmist said, “O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up. You understand my thought afar off” (Ps. 139:1,2). It is folly to think that no one knows my thoughts except me! If is likewise folly for me to think that I can know the unexpressed thoughts of others. Each must “examine himself,” not only in communing with Christ, but in every other service to God (1 Cor. 11:28).

Prospective is “looking toward the future” (Webster). This has to do with purpose and planning. The Israelites failed to enter the promised land because “in their hearts they turned back to Egypt” (Acts 7:39). They, as many others, had the head-lights on the wrong end. You will wreck if you constantly look back! Jesus said, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Lk. 9:62).

It is always proper to remember past successes and failures, but they should not become obstacles to looking ahead. Each of us should look within and see if we can improve on the things we have done in the past to make the future better in our service to God. Every experience of the past becomes either a stepping stone or a stumbling block.