Spiritual Life Physical Examination
Thank God! Through the touching of the Holy Spirit and the
testimonies of our members, the church has recently seen the addition of
several new friends who have proclaimed their faith. The writer is thankful for
this, because I see the Lord not just at work during the construction of the
hall, but continuing to display His handiwork through our testimonies.
Therefore everyone should ardently seek the Way of Truth, and not take the Lord¡¦s
grace unresponsively.
For health reasons, we submit to annual physical
examinations. The writer hopes that for the health of our spiritual lives, we
would conduct regular spiritual self-examinations as well. The following are
ten questions pertinent to a ¡§Spiritual Life Physical Examination¡¨ that I hope
will guide everyone in their own honest reflection:
1.
Are
you more intolerant of sin? When we become believers, the indwelling Holy
Spirit and human conscience will make us more sensitive to transgressions. We
won¡¦t sin at will, and if we occasionally fail and commit a sin, the Holy
Spirit will compel us to be remorseful for that iniquity and confess to God (1
John 1:9). A person who knows the Lord more will surely be a person who hates
sin more (Psalm 97:10).
2.
Are
you more controlled by the Holy Spirit? In our faith we live by the Holy
Spirit, and keep in step with the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:25). A person who is
healthy in spiritual life will not live in accordance with personal desires or
the traditions of the world, but act by the will of the Holy Spirit. If we let
the Holy Spirit control our lives, we attain peace (Romans 8:6) and prominently
display the special qualities of the children of God (Romans 8:14).
3.
Are
you more sensitive to the presence of God? God will be with those who truly
believe in Jesus Christ, and there is no need to expressly ask to be with Him
(2 John 1:2-3). We can petition God to make us more sensitive to His will and
to the work of the Holy Spirit. The more mature our spiritual lives are, the
more strongly will be our sense of the Lord¡¦s presence.
4.
Are
you more desirous of God? We believe in the Lord and follow Jesus Christ
because we are attracted by God¡¦s great love. We love, because God first loved
us (1 John 4:19). If we earnestly revere God, we will gladly spend time on
Bible-reading, praying, listening to sermons and engaging the Truth in order to
know Him. Do we continually long each day to see the face of God (Psalm 63:1)?
5.
Are
you more willing to accept and forgive? The goal of life of a Christian is to
be alive in Christ (Philippians 1:21). The characteristic of the life of Christ
is His acceptance and forgiveness of those who trespassed against Him. Are we
more willing each day to accept others based upon the foundation of the Truth,
and to promptly forgive those who have wronged us?
6.
Are
you more cognizant of the needs of the church and others? The free expression
of a spiritual life is concern for the exigencies of members and others,
including their needs in the three facets of spirit, soul and body. If we carry
the burdens of others, we fulfill the law of Christ, and implement the command
of love (Galatians 6:2).
7.
Do
you crave more fellowship with the members? When Christians live in the light
of God, they prefer fellowship with the children of God (1 John 1:7). The
intent of the Lord for the church is the growth and maturity of the complete
entity. We do not just focus on individual pursuit, but emphasize the building
up of each other as well (Ephesians 4:16).
8.
Do
you enjoy more of the joy and peace found in the Lord? We know that the
possession of material wealth does not mean enjoyment of true peace and joy. If
we are always in Christ, live by the Holy Spirit, and obey the word of God, the
joy of the Lord will suffuse us.
9.
Are
you more willing to demonstrate your standing as a Christian and pleased to
testify for the Lord? The more we experience the bountiful grace of God, the
more pleased we are to testify for Him. Having been a believer for many years,
has our fervor to testify for God diminished?
10.
Are
you more envious of the Heavenly Home and concerned for eternal matters? The
perspective of life and values of a Christian are based upon the hope of an
eternal life. (Titus 2:13) Those who truly know God will set their hearts on
and seek everlasting things (Colossians 3:1-2).
¡§Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about
Christ and go on to maturity.¡¨ (Hebrews 6:1)
By: Daniel To