Inspiring You to Thrive! What's Your Spiritual Temperature?
“Let me take your temperature,” said the nurse at the Urgent Care Center. I’d been coughing and sneezing for weeks but finally got so sick I went to find out if there was something really wrong with me! There was Fever, low oxygen rates, a diagnosis of pneumonia and orders to rest sent me scurrying home. A week later, I’m on the mend but still coughing a bit too much to be around people for a while.Our body temperature indicates whether all is well, or if we need to pay attention to a possible infection. I thought I was fine, but I wasn’t. It can be the same spiritually.
Checking our spiritual temperature is possible—and it’s helpful from time to time—otherwise we’re prone to float along thinking we’re fine. Using a check list, however, can open our eyes and help us to honestly assess whether we’re spiritually thriving or declining.
The following indicators of SPIRITUAL HEALTH have challenged me ever since I first came across them. See if they challenge you. I’ll share four more in my next blog, so be sure and sign up to receive them via email.
SPIRITUAL HEALTH IS INDICATED BY:
1. A growing hunger for God: Does my heart want more of God? Not necessarily more of what I want from Him, but more awe and gratitude for who He is?Can I say with the Psalmist, “I seek you with all my heart”? Ps.119:10
2. An increasing desire to know God’s Word: Is my desire simply a sentimental longing, or am I actually taking more time each day, each week, to read His Word? Can I say with the Psalmist, “I will not neglect your word”? Ps. 119:16
3. A greater sensitivity to sin: Am I more quickly aware of what is dishonoring to God in what I watch, or say, or desire—and do I choose to turn away as the Spirit convicts me?Can I say with the Psalmist, “Let no sin rule over me”? Ps. 119:133
4. A decreasing desire for the world’s priorities: Is the world’s definition of success driving me? Or do I count doing what pleases the Lord as my standard of success? Can I say with the Psalmist, “Turn my eyes away from worthless things”? Ps. 119:37
Are you thriving spiritually—hanging in there with not much change—or do you see some definite signs of decline? I’d love to hear your thoughts on gauging your spiritual temperature.
Blessings,
Poppy