One of the hardest things in life, is to look at our life and honestly evaluate where it is and where it is heading. We can assess our lives in so many areas from health, to relationships, to our finances and of course the list goes on. Most of us have been through an annual job review where they bring you into their office, then proceed to tell you where your work is good and what you need to improve on. Then comes the news if you'll get a raise. Have you ever wondered what it would look like if you had an annual spiritual review of your Christian life?
With the help of Francis Chan the author of "Crazy Love"
I would like to pose 10 questions to ask yourself and evaluate where your Christian life and faith stand and maybe where it is heading. Dangerous I know, but let's have some fun.
1. Has your relationship with God actually changed the way you live?
2. Does what you are doing right now require faith?
3. Do you see evidence of God's Kingdom in your life or are you choking it out slowly by spending too much time, energy, money, and thought on the things of this world?
4. James 2:17- 'Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.' Does your life as a Christian display the manifestations of a vital and active faith?
5. Does your life give people an excuse not to believe in God?
6. Do you trust God so completely that you're willing to put your life and situations in His hands, not knowing what the outcome will be?
7. Worry implies that we don't believe God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives...are you worrying?
8. Are your spiritual endeavors costing you during your life on earth but you know will be more than worth it in eternity?
9. Is one your greatest fears as an individual and as the church of not failing or are they of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter?
10. It's much less demanding to think about God's will for your future than it is to ask Him what He wants you to do in the next 10 minutes...so what are you doing in the next 10 minutes?
I hope you have taken a few minutes to ponder and sincerely answer these questions because one of the biggest dangers for us as Christians is to all of sudden find ourselves in a spiritual rut, complacent or to be completely honest with you...bored with what American Christianity offers. Here's an excerpt from Francis Chan's book, "Crazy Love".
"People find themselves not living by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to. They don't have to trust God if something unexpected happens- they have their savings account. They don't need God to help them- they have their retirement plan in place. They don't genuinely seek out what life God would have them live- they have life figured and mapped out. They don't depend on God on a daily basis- their refrigerators are full and, for the most part, they are in good health. The truth is, their lives wouldn't look much different if they suddenly stopped believing in God."
Every chance we get we encourage you to find a place to serve and volunteer in your community that will help someone or some family in their everyday life. Why are we so passionate about that-- because we know it leads to these families having a discovery or restoration of faith in Christ through a demonstration of Gods unconditional love.
And for the volunteer an expanded personal encounter that leads to seeing more, hearing more and feeling more of God than they've ever experienced in their spiritual journey.
Have a great week- thanks for being in our lives, keep in touch and stay well. Chris and Marilyn
