Inspirations of Biblical Proportions

• Measuring Spiritual ProgressDecember 29, 2024

  It seems like our society is fascinated with measuring things. As early as kindergarten, children are taught to use a ruler and think about measurements. Physicians measure height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, etc. Sports organizations measure kicks, throws, shots, jumps, running speeds, strength, and scores. Some people are also fascinated with measurements in the weather: humidity, highs and lows, dew points, rainfall, wind speed and direction. In business, all kinds of things are measured: sales, quotas, employment, terminations, production, etc. I think you get the point.

  Considering how many things can be measured, do we stop and think about measuring our personal spiritual progress? I am sure that someone, somewhere might say, “You can’t measure that!” Can we not? The fact is that just about anything we may be motivated to do spiritually can bemeasured. God gives us plenty of spiritual activities in which we are to be engaged. Let’s open our Bibles and consider the items below as “measuring sticks”:

  1. Have you come to Sunday services as often as possible this year? (Hebrews 10:25)

  2. Did you love your neighbor as yourself this year? (Matthew 22:39)

  3. Did you pray for your enemies? (Matthew 5:44)

  4. Did you share the Gospel with someone else? (Mark 16:15)

  5. Have you visited the needy, the elderly, the sick, the orphans? (Matthew 25:41-46)

  6. Have you studied the Bible this year? (2 Timothy 2:15) (Acts 17:11)

  7. Did you keep focused on the lesson, no matter how long it was? (Acts 20:7)

  8. Did you do all things without complaining? (Philippians 2:14) 

  9. Have you invited anyone into the church this year? (Matthew 28:18-20)

  10. Did you choose mid-week Bible study over worldly activities? (Matthew 6:33)

  11. Did you focus on the words during congregational worship? (1 Corinthians 14:15)

  12. Have you helped bear the burden of another? (Galatians 6:2)

  13. Were you an encouragement to your brethren? (Hebrews 3:13)

  14. Did you sing out loud with the congregation or mumble through? (Colossians 3:16)

  15. Did you pray each day? (1 Thessalonians 5:17) 

  16. When was the last time you taught a class at church? (Hebrews 5:12)

  17. When did you last share the story of Jesus with a stranger? (Acts 8:4)

  18. When was the last time you helped set up the chairs? (Philippians 2:3-4)

  19. Who did you live for this year, self or God? (Matthew 16:24-26)

  20. Did you prepare for your classes before attending? (1 Peter 3:15)

  21. What kind of attitude did you have this year? (Colossians 4:2)

  22. Did you take time to strengthen your marriage this year? (Ephesians 5:22-33)

  23. Did you study the Bible with your children? (Ephesians 6:4)

  24. Did you live in your everyday life as you presented yourself on Sundays? (Matthew 23:27-28)

  25. In choosing not to do these things, were you truly loving God with all your heart, soul and mind? (Matthew 22:37) (John 14:15)

  So, how did you do? While this list does not include every scriptural activity we should be involved in, it does provide several areas of opportunity for us to be making an effort in. As we bring this year to a close, I would like to encourage each of us to look in the mirror and do a little self-reflection. With this year behind us, how can we do better for the Lord moving forward?

  These questions are not necessarily designed to make anyone feel guilty for not engaging in such activities. These questions are also not designed for us to measure our own righteousness and puff up our chests with pride. These are personal questions to be answered privately by each individual, to motivate us to examine our level of spiritual health and encourage us to becomemore spiritual. Each of these questions are in some way supported by scripture, showing that they are things that we need to be doing. We can measure our personal level of spiritual involvement if we are open, honest with ourselves, and willing to abide by the Word of God (2 Corinthians 13:5). 

  I want to encourage each one of you to take some time this week and go through this list and pick a few things upon which to focus so that your life can be more spiritual. This exercise is between you and God; there will be no earthly test given by myself, or anyone else. There will however be a final exam one day…..

  God gave His best for us. We can certainly be making our best effort for Him.

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