It is essential that we have a spiritual health checkup at least annually. When we are spiritually healthy, we thrive in all the facets of our life. You know that glow that you have after a workout or a vacation, there is a glow spiritually as well. “A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:13 Even though we may be going through a difficult time, our spiritual health is strong. You see it in our faces. We reflect the strength and faith in God as our solid rock that keeps the struggles of life from crushing us.

So, let’s take a moment to consider a spiritual checkup. Be honest with yourself, just like you would want your doctor or mechanic to be honest with you. By the way summer vacation can be a good time to take some of your down time to do this checkup. Don’t make it complicated, just think through a few questions and write down your answers.

“Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it.” (2 Corinthians 13:5, Message)

“Spiritual health is being able to walk in God’s presence and enjoy Him for ourselves, yet still feel the world’s hurts?” Danny Morris, Leadership, Vol 14, no. 4

1. Worship – Are you delighting in the Lord? You were created for his pleasure. Do you desire to spend time in worship? Have you surrendered every facet of your life to Him. Do you trust Him?
2. Fellowship – Do you know who you are? Is your identity secure in Christ? Do you have deep connections with others in the body of Christ? For instance, are you a part of a small group.
3. Discipleship – Are you becoming more like Jesus? You were created in the image of God. Do you have in place the spiritual disciplines of daily prayer, Bible reading, and reflection (meditation)?
4. Ministry – Are you serving others? Each of us have been given a spiritual gift to serve God by serving people. S.H.A.P.E. was developed by Pastor Rick Warren and Saddleback Church to help us discover how God shaped us for ministry. S.H.A.P.E. is the best tool I have ever discovered to helping others and myself get started with ministry.
5. Evangelism – Do you find joy sharing your faith story (testimony)? Lost people need to know and want to know what your life was like before Jesus, what your life was like when you gave your heart to Jesus, and how your life is different now.

Take one area at the time and evaluate yourself. For instance, Worship. Does my life show that God is my highest priority? How? Ask your spouse or a friend to evaluate your answer. Journaling will help you tremendously as you write daily about your activities and how you sought to serve the Lord.

Finally, if you are part of local church start by planning to go through the discipleship classes offered. At Woodland Church we offer four classes designed to help you grow as a passionate follower of Christ.

Peace!