How prepared are you for this year? This year surely will be great, so we should expect nothing less than greatness. Therefore, engage diligence in whatever you're doing, expecting God to crown your efforts with great results. However, you must be diligent too in your walk with God. This post encourages you to examine yourself and ensure you're in the faith.

"Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?-unless indeed you are disqualified."

- 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NKJV).

It's important that you put in your best and work hard this year. However, in all you do, do it as unto the Lord. This is because your work, ambition, and activities are to occupy you till Christ comes. Therefore, while we engage in fruitful and honoring activities, we must not neglect the most important thing in life: our walk with God.

Truly, we're pilgrims on earth as Jacob acknowledged in Genesis 47:9. However, our walk with God here on earth determines where we will go, and our rewards after this life. And this is the truth and it will never be changed.

Therefore, I charge you to examine yourself and see that you're in the faith. This you should do on a daily basis because Christ will come as a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2). So, you must always be prepared in spite of what is happening in the world.

Thus, as you plan for success and greatness this year, also plan for your spiritual growth. So, build up your spiritual life and increase your service unto the Lord. This is what counts for you in heaven. For all other activities are for you to occupy till Jesus comes. Therefore, pay more attention to your walk with God.

A man of God, Dr. David Oyedepo, once said (as narrated by him while teaching) to his teacher that he is a full-time Christian, but a part-time student. This is absolutely the truth. We're full-time Christians, but part-time business people, part-time career persons, part-time students, part-time parents, part-time children, etc.

You're first and foremost a child of God before any other thing. Therefore, pay more attention to your faith, your love-walk with God and men, and your hope for salvation. Also, win souls for Christ and help them to establish in the faith. For this will fetch you eternal rewards in heaven.

Therefore, this year as you strive to excel in life, strive to excel more in your walk with God. Examine yourself daily and see that you're in the faith. And the good news is that the Holy Spirit is very much here to help you to succeed, not only in your spiritual life but also in every other thing you lay your hands to do.

Congratulations! This year shall see you in your robust state and all-around success: spirit, soul, and body.

Ngozi Nwoke is a teacher, speaker, counselor and author of "Peace Money Can't Buy" and "The Man Jesus: What You Need to Know About Christ". She has a passion to teach people how to enjoy peace, God's love, and Christian living for a more fulfilling life. Want a more fulfilling life?