Spiritual Check-up

Question: “Where am I spiritually?”

This is a really good question to ask yourself periodically. Every so often, we need to do a little maintenance check on our spirituality, too. Similarly, this is what we should (but not always) do with our vehicles. And, like a car or other piece of machinery it will not only operate better, but last longer with fewer breakdowns. (My husband would be so proud of me!)

The same thing applies to us in the spiritual sense. We usually plug along, sometimes for years, without ever performing a little self-check to see if all is well (2 Corinthians 13:5). Not until apathy, frustration, or maybe even anger brings us to a grinding stop do we realize that something is broken. Sadly, this is an all too common tale. I know, because it’s happened to me before.

Webster's Dictionary defines spirituality as: the quality or state of being spiritual. Pertaining to our discussion today, let’s call this our relationship with God. There are only two ways we can go with this. We are either growing with Him, or growing away from Him. That’s it. And, this is precisely why we need to do a spirituality check-up from time to time.

At the beginning of our journey with God, we plant the seed of spirituality (Mark 4:26). It’s an exciting, soul-stirring time for sure. We are careful to nuture it as it grows. But, if for whatever reason, we fail to do so, it withers and dies. I think about the Jews in the Old Testament. Remember how they were up and down in their relationship with God? Their spirituality would ebb and flow; it was without any true consistency.

God’s prophets would often attempt to get the people to perform a spirituality check-up (Deuteronomy 5:1). Some would, but most would not; and not surprisingly, it usually didn’t end well for them. The trouble is that we in modern times, as those in biblical times, start feeling a little cocky when things are going well. Maybe even to the point of thinking we can do just fine, or better, without God's guidance.

I promise you that this isn't what Our Heavenly Father wants for us. A fairweather believer is not a true believer. Becoming a strong, faithful Christian is not a walk in the park. You will encounter hills and valleys, peaks and pits along the way. It takes time to grow from a baby to a mature adult; as does growing into a mature Christian (Philippians 1:6). There are no short-cuts here.

Thus, the importance of doing a little spiritual maintenance every now and then is necessary. Problems are best attended to when they are small. Minor adjustments are easier made than major repairs. It's not that difficult to do.

Here a few questions to help you get started: Do I know God better today than I did last month or last year? Am I asking God about his plan for my life—or just blindly charging ahead, doing my own thing? Am I too busy for God? Am I persisting in some behavior that I know is displeasing to him?

Make reading the Word part of your daily regimen, along with prayer. Growing spiritually takes time and effort. It's not a sprint, but a marathon (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). Be consistent, and don't be afraid to seek support from other members of your church community if you find yourself struggling.

Most importantly, remember that God is always there for you. He wants to help you grow and succeed in your spiritual maturity.

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:18; Galatians 5:22-23; Psalm 1:1-3; Philippians 4:13; Hosea 4:6

Prayer: Dear Jesus, I want you in the center of my life and I commit, through your power, to serve and obey you anytime, anywhere, at any cost, to do anything. Amen.

Have a blessed day!

Heidi