How to Measure Spiritual Progress

That Christian Website ^ | 12/16/2010 | Travis Main

[hawkins]

Measuring Spiritual Progress – (http://www.thatchristianwebsite.com/articles/progress.html)

Our society is fascinated with measuring things. As early as kindergarten, children are taught to use a ruler and think about measures. Physicians measure height, weight, circumferences, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, blood counts, and more. Sports organizations measure kicks, throws, shots, jumps, running speeds, arm and leg strength, and scores. Humans are also fascinated with measurements in the weather: humidity, highs and lows, dew points, rainfall, and wind speed and direction. In business all kinds of things are measured: sales, quotas, employment, terminations, production, etc. And let’s not even get started on how many things the government measures!

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

1. Have you made all Sunday morning services this year? (Hebrews 10:25)
2. Have you taken any notes at church this year? (2 Timothy 2:15)
3. Did you review your notes later at home? (2 Peter 1:13-15)
4. Did you share your notes with someone else? (Mark 16:15)
5. Have you visited those in need, the elderly, the sick, the orphan? (James 1:27)

6. Have you purchased outside study material this year? (2 Timothy 4:13)

7. Have you attended any gospel meetings this year? (Acts 20:7)
8. Did you read your Bible last week? (1 Timothy 4:13)
9. Have you handed out any tract information this year? (Matthew 28:18-20)
10. Did you attend mid-week classes when your child had sports? (Matthew 6:33)

11. Did you think about the words during congregational worship? (1 Corinthians 14:15)
12. Did you miss Sunday Evening services for the Superbowl? (1 Corinthians 10:31)

13. If your church held a gospel meeting, were you there? (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. Did you read your Bible every day this month? (Acts 17:11)
17. When was the last time you taught a class at church? (Hebrews 5:12)
18. When last did you study the Bible with someone, outside of Church? (Acts 8:4)

19. When was the last time you helped clean the building? (Philippians 2:3-4)
20. When your relatives visited, did you skip out on worship? (Matthew 16:24-26)

21. Did you prepare for your classes before attending? (1 Peter 3:15)
22. When you traveled, did you attend a mid-week Bible study? (Acts 28:15)
23. When you traveled, did you assemble with the Church each Sunday opportunity? (1 Peter 1:22)
24. Did you study the Bible each day with your children? (Ephesians 6:4)

25. Did your children have a regular Bible study schedule? (Deuteronomy 6:7)

These questions are not designed to make anyone feel guilty for not engaging in such activities, but rather, to motivate us to examine our level of spiritual health and encourage us to become more spiritual. Each of these questions is supported by scripture which gives proper direction for our lives. 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.

Permission is given by me, Travis Main, for you to freely utilize this list for newsletters or bulletins if you wish.
A special thanks to Kevin Cauley of the Southwest School of Preaching for scriptural assistance on this list.

[hawkins]

Since we are approaching the time of year when everyone starts evaluating where they are and where they want to go, I though this might be helpful.

[bad company]

Prayer is only mentioned once?

[MNDude]

“Have you handed out any tract information this year?”

I found a Chick cartoon magazine lying by the sink of the bathroom.

After breifly reading it, I left it put it back. Does that count?

[Domalais]

Thetan level of course! /s

[anniegetyourgun]

You’re right - many do look in the mirror at this time of year. Then they leave the mirror and forget what they look like.

[hawkins]

Ha! Reminds me of Bill Murray in “Groundhog Day” where he says something to the effect that he goes months without looking in a mirror.

[lurk]

And, having done the things on this list, you can then stand and say “God, I thank you that I am not as other men; extortioners, unjust, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I possess.”

Make a list for spiritual progress, and you’ve fallen into the trap of legalism and pride.

Why make a list? Why not just love God with all your heart?

[hawkins]

Hey Lurk!

Good question. Christ said, If you love me you will keep my commandments. Now, if someone started bragging about how great they were in regard to how they were doing, I think your statement about the Pharisee would be dead on. However, as a simple private measure of where can I continue to improve, these type of things do not hurt.

[Ro_Thunder]

The easiest, simplest, and most authoritative way to measure our progress is to say “Are we more like Christ now, than when we first believed?” If the answer is yes, then one has made progress - but still have more to go. If the answer is no, then one needs to get busy and start emulating Christ.

[hawkins]

That thar pardner is dead on right!