Essential Questions for Believers

My life has been a bit crazy lately. In the last month, we’ve had a death in the family, celebrated our daughter’s pregnancy with an elaborate baby shower, traveled internationally, and begun a remodeling project on our home. My emotions have been all over the place and I’ve felt the stress of life’s busyness and unpredictability. Perhaps you’ve been there—overwhelmed by the everyday hubbub of life. This week, however, I’m with family in a beautiful spot in Vermont we’ve come to love. The weather is perfect here this time of year. As I type this, the brook outside my window babbles peacefully over the rocks while the birds flit from tree to tree in the dappled sunlight.

 

This morning, I’m reflecting on the goodness of God. God is good even in the emotionally challenging times of life. His love is constant. It never fades. I’m so grateful for the grace and mercy he bestowed on a sinner like me, and for his drawing me to himself for salvation. I could never be good enough or wise enough to earn it.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB)

What an amazing thought, that nothing I do can earn salvation for me. That fact is both comforting and unsettling. My salvation is a gift of grace and forgiveness, freely given, because of God’s great love for me. When we place our trust in Jesus, our hope is secure, our eternity sealed. Nothing can take me out of God’s hand. For those of us whose habit is to exist in autonomous self-reliance, it’s hard to accept this free gift—no strings attached.

The Shaping of God in Sanctification

Now that I’m a part of God’s family, my only responsibility is to cooperate with him in the shaping process (called sanctification) that makes me more like him. You see, we never stop growing as believers. God uses our trials, our study of the Word, our relationships, our experiences, and our heartaches, to grow us into spiritual maturity. As they say, trust the process. The Holy Spirit within, is the key to changing our desires and prodding our conscience, as our life begins to look more like Jesus.

Unfortunately, believers are still prone to sin and can fall back into our self-centered ways. No doubt, we sometimes get off track. Sin is a universal problem. In light of that, it’s important to keep our mission in mind—to bring glory to God with the entirety of our life (our time, talents, resources, attitudes). Here are some questions to help us evaluate how we’re doing in our spiritual walk:

A Spiritual Check-Up for Believers

Are we looking for ways to grow in the knowledge of God’s Word?

Besides the Sunday morning sermon, there are opportunities for Bible study in most evangelical churches. Our church even has a Bible Institute for deep study of Hermeneutics, Theology and Church History. Studying the Word with other believers can lead to spiritual growth and provide fellowship and prayer support. (2 Timothy 2:15)

Are we spending time each day reading the Word of God for ourselves?

The Bible shows us who God is. It teaches us about his character and supernatural qualities. We discover the overarching story of God’s plan, from creation to the death and resurrection of Jesus, to the birth of the church. God desires a personal relationship with us. We develop that relationship as we read the Word and spend time in prayer. (2 Timothy 3:16)

Are we using our spiritual gifts within the church we attend?

As believers we have specific gifts that allow us to be an integral, functioning part of the body of Christ. They include things like service, exhortation, teaching, evangelism, leadership, mercy, and others. Our gifts are needed and necessary in the Kingdom of God. If you’re not sure of your spiritual gift, there are spiritual gift inventories you can take online. (Romans 12:4-8)

Are we helping others less fortunate than ourselves by giving of our time and resources?

Everything we have is a gift from the Lord. What we do with those material blessings testifies to our love and devotion to him. We won’t take anything with us at the end of our life. To remind me of this, I have a magnet on my fridge that says: This mortal life will soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last. In Francis Chan’s book, Crazy Love, he beautifully makes the point that believers are called to expend ourselves fully for the benefit of the Kingdom of God. We are to hold nothing back. (Matthew 25:40, James 1:27)

Are we telling others about Jesus?

When trying to share the gospel, it’s always nice to know some key verses. Two good resources we can use are;, the Romans Road of scripture, or the ABC’s of the Gospel (Admit, Believe, Confess). But we sometimes underestimate the effect our own transformation story can have on the life of another human being. Our testimony, humbly shared with a friend or a stranger can change their eternity. Something about your particular salvation experience may resonate with someone. (John 3:16, Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9-10, 10:13)

Do we understand the value and supernatural implications of our salvation?

According to Ephesians 1, we have every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. We are chosen, adopted, redeemed and forgiven. We have hope for the future. In fact, having heard the message of salvation and believed, we were sealed forever in Him by the Holy Spirit, thus guaranteeing our inheritance. There is no need to walk around feeling defeated or powerless. You are a child of the One True King. The Bible says you have access to the throne of grace. (Ephesians 1: 3-14, Hebrews 4:16)

Does our life look any different than the lost world around us?

Believers are to be holy and set apart. Has anyone ever told you there’s something different about you? It’s only by displaying the characteristics of Christ to the lost that they will be drawn into a relationship with him. The Holy Spirit allows us to exhibit qualities like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (the fruit of the Spirit). We can pray that these qualities will be more evident in our lives. (Galatians 5:22-23)

A Final Challenge

Make no mistake, there is nothing we can do to earn our salvation. It is the gift of God, freely given. But remember, our life in Christ is meant to be purposeful, distinct, fragrant, impactful and fulfilling. Every now and then we need a spiritual check-up to make sure we’re on track and on board with God’s agenda for the world at large. I hope this article has helped you to do a healthy self evaluation. Perhaps one area stood out to you that you’d like to focus on this year. Share it with a believing friend who can hold you accountable. After all, that’s what family is for!