We are a sinful people living in a fallen world. This fact makes living out our faith in ways pleasing to God a daily challenge. It’s not uncommon for even the most consistent believers to grow lax in their commitment to Christ and let the world quietly creep into their lives. When this happens, our faith becomes a watered-down version of what it should be. If this has happened to you or if it ever does, it’s time for a spiritual tune-up—a recommitment to putting God first in every aspect of your life.
How do you know if its time for a spiritual tune-up? The best self-test I have ever come across for deciding if its time for a spiritual tune-up was developed by Angela Cleary and posted at her site, Resounding His Love. Here in paraphrase are some of Angela’s self-test questions. If you answer yes to any of these questions, its time for a spiritual tune-up:
Do you use prayer as a last resort in times of trouble instead of making it a regular and high-priority part of your day?
Would you rather watch television than read the Bible?
Would you rather read secular novels and magazines than the Bible?
Do you look for reasons to skip church services?
Are worship services joyless box-checking exercises?
Are there gaps between what you profess to believe and how you live?
Do you watch movies or television shows that are not consistent with your faith?
Do you put recreation, sports, or entertainment ahead of prayer and Bible study?
Do you ignore the Great Commission?
Do you ignore the admonition in the Greatest Commandment to love your neighbor as yourself?
Do you reflect the love and image of Christ in your marriage?
Are you raising your children in the instruction and admonition of Christ?
If you answer” yes” to any of these questions, don’t despair. We have all been there and will probably be there again. Be thankful we worship a forgiving God, pray for his strength, guidance, and forgiveness, and recommit your life to him. The process is called undergoing a spiritual tune-up, and we all need one from time to time.
Dr. Goetsch is the author of Christian Women on the Job: Excelling at Work without Compromising Your Faith, Fidelis Books, an imprint of Post Hill Press and Christians on the Job: Winning at Work Without Compromising Your Faith, Salem Books, an imprint of Regnery Publishing, 2019: www.david-goetsch.com
