52. A SPIRITUAL CHECK-UP.

In (1 Chronicles 28;9.) We read “The Lord searches every heart and understands every motive..”, Now, that can be a scary thought, OR it can take you and me to the feet of the Saviour, so that we can pray with the psalmist in psalm (139:23-24) Search me my God and know my heart, try me and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Most wise people visit their doctor regularly for a physical check-up, and if you are spiritually wise you will go to God regularly too, for a Spiritual check-up. If you are not accustomed to doing this, you may like to get alone with God and make an appraisal of your spiritual health in the following areas:-- (1). Your Salvation... In) 2.Corinthians; 5.17) “If anyone is in Christ, he is a New Creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new.” Was there ever a time in your life when you repented from your sin and placed your trust in Jesus to save you? Have you surrendered to Him and made Him Lord of your life? (2) .Your Devotional life... (psalm 119;97) I love Your Law, it is my meditation all day long. And in the same psalm ( v;140) we read “ Your word is very pure, therefore your servant loves it.” Do you read and meditate on God’s Word each day? Are your personal devotions consistent and meaningful? Do you try to apply the principles of Scripture to each circumstance you are in? (3) . Your Humility... God says in Isaiah (15;57)… “I dwell in the High and Holy place, With him who has a Humble and Contrite spirit, to revive the Spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Are you quick to recognise and agree with God when you have sinned? Are you quick to admit to others when you are wrong? Can you rejoice at the success of others, even when your efforts go unnoticed? Do you esteem others better than yourself? (Romans 12:10) Do you live with a sense of dependence on God. Please don’t think I’m judging anyone. On the contrary, I’m trying to explain to those who don’t understand, the way we need to judge or examine ourselves before a Loving, Forgiving and Merciful God. Because let’s face it, we can all find reasons (excuses) for ourselves. And although God is in all of the above, He is also a Just God, and perhaps that’s the reason He said to Jeremiah in Chapter (17;10) “I The Lord search the heart.” so let’s continue. How do you measure up when it comes to … (1) Obedience… (Hebrews 13;17) “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account, let them do so with joy, not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” Do you submit to the guidance of those God has placed over you? Do you pray for them and thank God for the deposits they make in to your life? (2) A pure Heart.. (1John: 8-9) “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleans us from all unrighteousness. Do you confess your sins specifically and by name? Do you purpose to forsake your sin the moment God reveals it to you? What about your un-surrendered areas? Are you willing to give up all sin for God. (3) A clear conscience...(Acts 24:16) “ I… Strive to have a clear conscience without offence before God and man.” Do you seek forgiveness from those you have offended? Is your conscience clear before God and man. (4) Confidence before God:..(1John 3:21-22) ”If our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” Have you moved beyond merely ‘right and wrong’ and asked yourself, ‘How will this affect my confidence in and my relationship with God.? In (Romans 8:27) We read “He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the spirit.” Doing a Spiritual check-up means examining things like:-- 1. Priorities; “Seek first the Kingdom of God... and all these things will be added unto you”(Matthew 6-33) Do you submit your schedule to God for His approval? Do your financial decisions put God first. 2. Values “Colossians 3-12” You died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God… since God chose you to be the Holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tender mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” Do you love what God loves and hate what God hates? Do you value highly the things that please Him? Are your desires and goals governed by God’s word? 3. Sacrifice..; Philippians 3:8-10) I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ...I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him.” Are you fully surrendered to God? Is there anything in your life that you value more than Him? If there is pray, Father forgive me for taking back control of my life, I come before you surrendering, repenting and asking You to cleanse me, renew me with Your Spirit. I renounce my selfish ways and make You Lord of my life. You said You would rather we were hot or cold, but not lukewarm. Light a fire in me today that will burn so brightly others will be drawn to you. For a Spiritual check-up to be effective, we need to examine the following three areas: 1. Forgiveness:- (Col 3:13-15) Make allowance foe each others faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember The Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body we are called to live in peace...Are you quick to forgive those who have hurt you?..Do you try to resolve conflicts as soon as possible?.. Are you harbouring resentment? 2. Soul winning.. (Matthew 28:19-20) Go therefore and make Disciples of all nations teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you..” Do you have a concern for lost souls? Do you seize every opportunity to share your faith? Does your life show what your lips say? 3. Prayer;....1Chr:16:11) “Seek The Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore>” Do you have a consistent prayer life? Do you pray faithfully for the needs of others? Have you learned to pray standing on God’s Word and believing Him for great things? Do you see the results of your prayer life? Has your prayer life led you to a deeper intimacy with The Lord? If your serious about in-depth change,and growth in your Spiritual walk, and developing a Christ-like character, spend time with The Lord today and say, “Search me my God and know my heart; try me and know my (thoughts) lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm139:23-24). There are many ways to handle ,,, ‘A Spiritual Check-up, I have attempted to give you a few guidelines which are in no way obligatory, because God looks at our hearts and our willingness to love and please Him, He responds graciously with love mercy and compassion. So for the sake of our Spiritual Health and to maintain and even improve our relationship with God, may I suggest we take a good honest look at our commitment to Jesus Christ on a regular bases and if necessary seek help from someone we trust. Thank you for reading my thoughts on this subject I hope they help. God Bless Phaline. Reference;-Bibles N.I.V. & N.J.K.V. Inspiration:- Archival copies of “The Word For Today” by Bob & Debby Gass. & Calvary Bridge New Jersey U.S.A.