Spiritual Health Check
Check-ups are a regular part of our lives. We have regular check-ups of our bodies, regular servicing of our cars, even annual performance reviews at work. But what about our souls? When was the last time you conducted a spiritual check-up?
2 Corinthians 13:5 says, ‘Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.’ Peter writes in 2 Peter 1:10, ‘Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election.’ It is healthy and good for us to consider the question, ‘How am I going in my faith? Am I growing? Have I stagnated spiritually?’ And there is perhaps no better time to consider this question than at the start of a new year.
I would encourage you to take some time over this new year period to read through and reflect on the questions I’ve listed below. I’ve borrowed these questions from the C.S. Lewis Institute, but as you can see, each question naturally flows from the Scriptures. Read through them and consider them prayerfully, honestly, and hopefully in Christ.
- Do I love God with all of my heart soul and mind? (Matthew 22:37-40)
- How is my personal relationship with God? (John 15:5; Psalm 63:1)
Do I have a growing desire to spend more time with God? Am I spending appropriate time praying, reading and meditating on the Word? Am I growing in my desire to obey and please God? Do I obey out of gratitude for God’s love? Or from guilt or fear? Are there areas I am holding back from God? Which ones? Why? Am I more aware of the sins in my life? Do I repent on a daily basis and receive forgiveness and cleansing from God?
- Am I actively serving God? (Colossians 3:23-24; Galatians 5:13)
Am I volunteering at church? Am I seeking to make others feel welcome at church? Am I reaching out to those around me? Am I praying for my friends, colleagues and people in my neighbourhood?
- Am I becoming more or less generous? (1 John 3:17; Matthew 6:24)
Am I growing in my desire and actions to give sacrificially to God’s work in the church, in caring for the poor, and in other ministries? Am I teaching my children about sacrificial giving and putting God before materialistic desires?
- Am I living in humility? (Ephesians 4:2; James 4:10)
- Am I growing in grace? (2 Peter 3:18; Galatians 5:22-23)
Is there evidence of grace growing in my life? Do I thank God every day for his love, grace and mercy and saving me from what I deserve? Am I seeing evidence of the fruit of the Spirit in my life (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control)? Am I treating others with the same grace God has shown me?
- Do I love my neighbour? (Mark 12:31; Matthew 7:12)
- Am I loving my family as I should? (Ephesians 5:33; Matthew 19:19)
Husbands, are you loving your wives? How? Wives, are you respecting your husbands? How? Parents, are you teaching your children the Bible, how to pray, and how to please God? Children, are you honouring your parents? How? Am I managing my time in a way that reflects God’s priorities and honours my family relationships? Are there any outside influences that are harming my family relationships? If so, what will I do about them?
- Am I forgiving others? (Colossians 3:13; Ephesians 4:32)
Is there anyone among my family, friends, neighbours or co-workers that I refuse to forgive? Do I fully trust that God has forgiven my sins?
- Am I growing in fellowship with other believers? (Hebrews 10:24-25; Romans 12:10)
Am I confessing sin to another believer? Am I part of a small group? Is it making a difference in the lives of participants? Do I have a godly mentor to help me grow in my walk with Christ? Am I mentoring/discipling a newer believer?
- Have I personally witnessed to anyone in the past year? (1 Peter 3:15; Matthew 9:36-38)
Am I prepared to share the gospel? Am I praying for and planning opportunities to witness in this coming year? Am I being salt and light in my neighbourhood, workplace and social groups? How, specifically?
- How have I helped the poor and disadvantaged? (Psalm 82:3-4; Matthew 25:40)
Am I focusing part of my time and money to help the poor and disadvantaged? Am I teaching my children about the importance of helping the poor? How?
Further reading:
Carl Laferton, Spiritual Healthcheck: 16 Steps to a Thriving Christian Life
With you on the journey,
Adam
