When we don’t feel well, we see a doctor. The doctor will begin asking questions regarding our health concern. “Are you eating and sleeping well?” “How long has this been happening?” “Do you have pain?” Or, “Is the pain localized?” This is a normal procedure so a doctor can form a diagnosis.
If our vehicle is running poorly, we take it to an automotive Tech. They will also ask us a series of questions before they ever begin work on our car. “When do you hear the noise; standing still or while at speed?” “Is the noise constant or is it intermittent?” As they ask questions they can begin to pinpoint the actual problem we are having with our vehicle.
Yet we seldom ask questions regarding our spiritual lives. In fact, we avoid questions about it. We can become offended if anyone would ask us how our spiritual lives are progressing. Why is it normal and logical to ask questions when it is our physical health or our vehicle, but offensive when it relates to the most important relationship in our lives? I am referring to the relationship with Almighty God.
Yet if we are honest and sensing that God is not as near to us as He once was, here are helpful questions to prayerfully ask ourselves.
- Do I have a desire to read the Bible? “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4. Some wise believer once said, “The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.” That is still true. The good news is that even a short time in God’s Word will begin to soften our hearts.
- Do I avoid praying? In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Paul told the believers to “Pray without ceasing.” A daily time of prayer will bring new life to our spiritual lives. Just begin again and become consistent. You will soon see the impact renewed prayer has on our lives.
- Have I lost a sense of thankfulness? King David prayed, “restore to me the joy of Your salvation.” Paul told the Thessalonian believers, “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” A loss of thankfulness, coupled with a complaining spirit, is a sign that something is wrong in our spiritual lives.
- Have I become casual about sin in my life? What once grieved us has stopped bothering us. Hebrews says, “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles us.” Hebrews 12:1. When God’s Spirit convicts us of sin, it’s actually a good thing. God is still speaking to out hearts, which is a blessing!
If any of these questions struck a cord in your heart, as they did in my own heart, go to God in simple confession. Be honest with God because God knows your heart completely. How is your spiritual life right now?
Retired Pastor Robert Stretch
