I’m sure you’ve had the doctors appointment when a series of ‘tests’ are done so that the doctor can get a full picture of your physical health. The doctor often wants to establish a baseline upon which he or she can compare as you return for an annual check-up. There may come a time when the doctor speaks to you and says there are some concerns based on the ‘test results’. Its the same way with our spiritual health. How do we measure and establish a baseline for comparison in the days, months and years ahead?
I would suggest that there is a way to get that spiritual check-up. You can even do a self-assessment. So, we are going to consider six areas in our checkup: mouth, ears or hearing, reflex, pressure, our heart, and our diet. Now, for the purpose of today’s blog, we are going to look at a short version. We’ll do three areas this week and three next week. Here is a link to a ‘scoresheet’ for you to use as you read, reflect and consider each of these areas. SPIRITUAL CHECK UP SCORESHEET
Unfortunately, we are starting out in a very tough area. The amount of teasing, put-downs, and criticism that comes out of our mouths (and yes, writing it in social media COUNTS) is a major problem. The bullying in our society today is an epidemic. James 3:8-9 says “…but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.”
Some further reading: James 1:26, Colossians 4:6, Colossians 3:8, Proverbs 15:1, Proverbs 16:24.
The tongue and mouth and our respect for them are crucial to the life of the Christian.
Let’s move on to our ears or our hearing. You remember the old cliche “Garbage In - Garbage Out”. This is clearly referring to what we are subjected to on a daily basis. What do we hear on a regular basis? Jesus told us on numerous occasions to listen and listen well. And [Jesus] said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” —Mark 4:9
What kind of music do you listen to? Do you allow those around you to use foul language or do you force the issue and tell them that it is unacceptable?
Think about it! We make choices all the time. I’ve decided to listen to very little secular music. I’ve changed my playlist, the stations I listen to and the messages that I expose myself to. Again, we can choose what we are hearing including refusing to listen to people and their filthy mouths. Can you say “Your filthy mouth disgusts me” and walk away? Are you afraid how you would look?
Some further reading: Romans 10:17, James 1:19.
Don’t let others words harden your heart!!
Remember how a doctor checks your reflexes? The little tap on the knee?
Just what is a reflex? A reflex is an action that is performed as a response to a stimulus and without conscious thought. A hiccup is a reflex.
Well, our spiritual reflexes are a normal tendency to respond to the aggressiveness of others. I bet you could describe a time when you responded in a way that you are not comfortable with. Romans 12:17 (NLT) says “Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.”
Your attitude and your heart will determine your reflexes. Verse 21 (Romans) sums it up: “Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” In other words, ‘take the high road.’
How are we doing so far in our checkup? So far we’ve looked at our mouth, our ears, and our reflexes. Take a minute to look at your scoresheet. Did you rate yourself on each of these areas? And did you set a goal of where you want to be in six months? You’ll have to define what the scores look like. This is a starting point. Now at the bottom of the scoresheet, you have an opportunity to write in an action step you will do during the next few months to help you get where you want to be.
My friend and author Bruce Boyer says, “God has been referred to as ‘the great physician.’ That role applies to both physical and spiritual health. Bring Him into your daily life and let Him help keep you healthy.”
We've made it halfway through our check-up. Next week I'll take us through the last three elements of the spiritual fitness check-up.
"His faithful love endures forever."
Chaplain Gray
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