Feb 26 2008
Stay Connected
Oh, you will get a kick out of this! I just looked at my calendar and I realized that during the next two weeks I have appointments to see three different physicians. As if that isn’t enough, I also have an appointment with a dentist.
Yes, it is that time again for me to get checkups and to get things straightened out and fixed that have either been broken or worn out through so many years of working in jungles. These checkups for my physical body make me wonder if we, as Christians, ever sit down and do spiritual checkups.
When was the last time you sat down with your pastor or a trusted Christian friend and asked that they examine your life? It would be good to ask them to offer insight into the areas of your life where you are strong spiritually. Similarly, you should also ask that they reveal to you areas of weaknesses. It is these areas that you and your pastor or close Christian friend can offer up to the Lord in prayer.
Pause for a few moments today and ask yourself, “Am I stronger spiritually today compared to this time last year? Do the same sins and shortcomings trip me up that have plagued me for years? Am I honestly growing in the Lord or have I become stagnant in my walk with Jesus?”
Jesus warns us clearly in John 15:1-2:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”
To avoid being cut off from the life giving power of the Lord, let me encourage you to set aside time regularly to conduct spiritual checkups of your life. There is no middle ground in our walk with the Lord. Either we are growing spiritually or we are not.