Do You Need a Spiritual Checkup?

We rarely have a problem remembering to get our yearly physical checkups do we? But do we ever think of a spiritual checkup? Probably not...we usually tend to think "we're ok"...here are a few questions to ask yourself from time to time, just to check...

1. If you are questioning your faith, quit it, and question your doubts instead. Keep in mind, God's promises are sure, 2 Corinthians 1:20 says "all the promises of God, in Him are yea and amen."

2. Don't be a "lone ranger" Christian. The Old Testament is made up of stories of God's people, the Epistles written to congregations, why? Because He wants us to RELATE, not isolate!

3. Guard your thought life. Isaiah 26:3 tells us "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is fixed on Thee." Stay focused on God's Word and His promises and your thoughts will be fixed as well. Learn to "manage" your mind God's way.

4. The last thing you have on your mind as you fall asleep, will be in your mind as you wake...hymns, verses, parts of your prayer list...mull them over and over in your mind as you fall asleep.

5. Get rid of ANYTHING that distracts you from the Lord or His Word. What do you read, watch on TV, hang out with, or most of all, worship. That's right, worship. Anything or anybody that gets more of our time and/or attention is an idol and is being worshipped. Computers are becoming idols today, with face book, twitter, etc., we spend an awfully lot of time in front of the computer. Give God His due!

6. Be careful of attitudes. We can disapprove of someone's actions and not be rude or arrogant to the person...our attitude toward one who is not living right can make or break the outcome. We all know the saying, "hate the sin but not the sinner."

7. Be sure of what you believe and don't be afraid to share it. Paul wasn't "ashamed of the Gospel", and we should not be either.

8. Be careful of judging others, not that you should not at times, but make a careful judgment. Remember, Jesus said "judge righteous judgment"... John 7:24, be careful not to condemn and careful what standard you are using as a "yardstick." Jesus also said as WE judge, so shall we BE judged.

9. Forgive those who wrong you or speak badly about you. Not easy at all, but important to growth. If you are going to carry a grudge, your mind will become "occupied" with the offender...to your detriment.

ONLY A PERSON WITH THE MIND OF CHRIST CAN TRULY OVERCOME THE SINS OF THE FLESH AND LIVE ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT!