15 Questions to Ask at the Start of a New Year (for 2026)

Inspired by Charles Spurgeon

At the start of a new year, it’s easy to think about goals, habits, and plans. But before we look forward, it’s wise to look inward. 

Below you will find 15 questions inspired by a sermon one of my favorite pastors, the legendary Baptist preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon, delivered to his congregation in London on January 3, 1858. 

If you take these questions seriously–not defensively, not casually–they can bring clarity, conviction, and purpose as you step into the year ahead.

1. Is Jesus actually shaping who I am? 

Not just my beliefs, but my character, reactions, and desires.

2. Am I more spiritually mature than I was this time last year? 

Or have I strayed, remained stagnant, or simply stayed busy?

3. Has my trust in God grown, or do I still panic and become anxious?

When life feels uncertain, do I lean more quickly on Him?

4. What sins or patterns has God helped me weaken or leave behind?

Where do I see real evidence of change?

5. Do I live with a greater awareness of Jesus’ presence than I did a year ago?

Is my faith more than something I turn on for Sundays?

6. Do I know Jesus better? Not just facts about Him, but Him?

Is my relationship deeper and more personal?

7. In what ways am I becoming more like Christ?

In humility, integrity, patience, courage, compassion, self-control?

8. Is prayer more natural, frequent, and honest for me than it used to be?

Do I actually depend on prayer? Or do I just talk about it?

9. Am I more intentional about how I live?

With my time, my words, my body, my money, and my life (online and off)?

10. Is my heart more loving than it was?

Toward my family, my church, people who frustrate me, and those who disagree with me?

11. Am I more decisive about what is right?

Do I have moral clarity as a Christian living in a chaotic and confused world?

12. And at the same time, am I gentler in how I hold that conviction?

Do truth and humility grow together in me?

13. Am I more like Jesus than I was a year ago?

Not perfect. But changed?

14. Or if I’m honest, have I drifted backward?

Have comfort, distraction, or apathy slowly taken ground?

15. Since standing still isn’t an option, which direction have I been moving?

Toward growth in grace, or away from Jesus?

---

May Jesus make you more like him in 2026.