I hope you’re taking this personally…

We live in a crowded world. In every generation, a few people stand-out, and the rest of us live wondering whose tracks we should be following into the dark fog of the future. As people who claim affiliation with the living Lord Jesus, His model remains superior to all others: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,” (Hebrews 12:2a)  points us toward Him as the Champion worth emulating.

 In America, presidents get four years to prove their worth; in the Kingdom, Messiah would have three. His prep made the task possible: “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2: 52). Two decades of personal discipline would enable three years of public declaration.

For us all, this has been a call to action as we launch a new year of challenges. We’ve touched on body, mind and soul; today, we’re finishing with the spirit.

If your physical plan was just to “go to the gym,” and you only went once a week… you’d be a Gatorade junkie, but you’d be fat instead of fit. It might include workouts with a coach every seven days in a crowded room… but don’t expect much.

When we addressed the soul, we discovered that it is the invisible part of our humanity that enables our relational engagement with other people. The condition of one’s soul is more clearly understood by those with whom we seek to maintain healthy connection. Self-perception about the condition of my soul is utterly worthless: the perception of people about us is the only reliable test.

So it is with our spirit. No one is born with a spirit, but it comes to life upon the declaration of confidence – by faith – in the offer of the Gospel to forgive, redeem and adopt all who come to God on His terms.

God is the only reliable evaluator of the condition of our spirit. As sons and daughters of the Most High God, becoming like the Father is the potential found in the domain of our now-present spirit.

Lost humans who have no linkage with Jesus make bold claims about spirituality, asserting knowledge about strengthening spiritual capacity. To that, Paul offers inspired caution: “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:7-8).

How are you doing – today – where it really counts? Here’s the truth of the matter: you probably don’t have a clue.

My friend Randy Frazee has done us a great service with the Christian Life Profile Assessment Tool. In a concise workbook of self-evaluative tools, this user-friendly exercise will let you – in the privacy of your own home – shine the spotlight on three essential categories: Beliefs, Practices and Virtues. In an hour – being honest about yourself – you’ll have a good picture of where you’re doing well, where you need some help… and what you can do about becoming more spiritually fit.

If you wanted a comprehensive physical – to see if you’re as healthy as you think you are – you’d go to the Cooper Clinic and get the truth. If you want a spiritual to match, you’ll go to Amazon and see Dr. Frazee. Click here to get a copy headed to you, pronto.

You’ve ordered a bunch of stuff on Amazon since last March that you didn’t need and haven’t used. Before you forget about it, order it and find out how you’re doing!

Bob Shank