Your Six Month Spiritual Checkup

Wow!  Half the year is gone already!  Anyone done any spiritual self-reflection yet this year? Here is an opportunity to take a look at your life on an even deeper level:

1) Do you need to forgive someone?  Jesus is clear that if we don’t forgive others, the Father will not forgive us. (Matt. 6:14-15)   So, while we may think our anger is justified, it only hurts us to stay bitter.  The cost, in fact, is serious enough to harm our relationship with God.

2) Does your daily talk reflect godliness?  It’s hard to read Ephesians 5:4 without evaluating our daily conversations, “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”   If other believers heard everything you said last week, would your witness be strengthened or harmed?

3) Does your budget reflect a commitment to God’s work?  I know it sounds trite, but what we give toward God’s work really does have eternal dividends.  Any sacrifice so others may know Jesus is no sacrifice at all.  Would your checkbook show that you prioritize God’s kingdom?

4) Do you know your neighbors and co-workers?  It’s so easy to be “on the go” that we know our neighbors and co-workers on only a superficial basis, if we know them at all.  That makes it difficult to share Christ with them.  Even our prayer for them is surface-level if we don’t know them.

5) Do you pray regularly for leaders?  Regardless of their political positions, we are mandated to pray for those in authority. (1 Tim. 2:1-2)  Think about those for whom you might pray, school officials, bosses, mayors, governors, and the president.  Obedience here is especially important in this election season.

6) Do you read more blog posts than you do the Bible?  Obviously, I tread softly here, as I’m deeply grateful you’re reading this post.  On the other hand, what bloggers have to say is nothing compared to what God has to say in His Word.  

7) Do you pray only when you have to?  Many of us pray re-actively, rather than proactively. Prayer is not in our DNA; it is only our response when we face something we can’t handle.  That kind of praying misses the point of being in a relationship with God.

8) If you’re married, does your marriage reflect the love of Christ for His church?  Do you love your spouse sacrificially? (Eph. 5:25) To the point of being willing to die?  Would your spouse agree with your response to that question?

9) Are you hiding anything?  Hiddenness is usually a sign the enemy is winning in one’s life. Then, the anguish of such sin is only deepened by the efforts we expend trying to keep it covered up.

10) Do you really love God’s church?  Paul thanked God for the Corinthians at the beginning of his letter to them. (1 Cor. 1:4-9)  And he expressed his love for them in his closing. (1 Corinthians 16:24)  In between, though, he described them as a mess. Only God can give us this kind of love for His bride, especially when the church has problems.  

11) Are you ready to quit?  Maybe your church role has drained you to the point you wonder if it’s worth the effort.  If your faith is being stretched to its limit, I encourage you to gather prayer partners and talk with friends before giving up.

12) Where do you most need to strengthen your walk with God for the rest of this year?  Reading this post will make no difference unless you make an intentional plan to change.

Tell me what commitments you are making, and allow me the privilege of praying for each of you.

Now, please allow me to start the ball rolling by offering my Confession.  I'm especially troubled by numbers #3, #5, and #9.

First #3: I have always been a huge believer in tithing.  Yet, ever since going on disability, it's been difficult trying to make ends meet and have anything left for God.  So we do try to take out tithe first each month.

And then #5: Okay, as some of you have probably noticed, I'm not shy about expressing my political beliefs.  To be honest, I feel this next election cycle may be our last chance to turn this nation around.  But regardless of how I personally feel, I know it's still important to pray for our country and its leaders, including the president.  So I will be making an extra effort to bath our nation and its government in prayer.

Finally #9: Am I hiding anything?  Actually, yes!.  Doesn't everyone?  In my case, one of the most difficult things to admit to as a Christian is having attacks of depression.  Do I need to pray more?  Should I see a doctor about medications, or is that not trusting God enough?  It's especially troublesome having been in ministry for many years, both as a pastor and a missionary.

So, I'm asking for your prayers as I seek God about these issues in my life.  Now, it's your turn. And if y'all are agreeing to pray for each other, please actually do so.  If you’re not going to really pray, then I think it is better not to promise something you're not really going to do. This will be before God and men, so please have some integrity about it, okay? 

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