As we said last time, spiritual health is an aspect of our existence that is incredibly important—and often neglected. How can we be better aware of our spiritual health? I believe there are three areas of our lives that we need to consider in this regard.
First, we must regularly assess ourselves. In one regard it seems unlikely that such an endeavor is even possible, given the deceptive nature of our own sinful hearts and of sin in general (Jer. 17:9, Heb. 3:13), yet the apostles commanded the churches of God to do this very thing (1 Cor. 11:28-31, 2 Cor. 13:5, 2 Peter 1:10-11). We should judge our own spiritual state based on the Word of God because it stands outside of us (apart from our sin), and because God uses it for that very purpose (Heb. 4:12-13). We should regularly be examining our own spiritual state to see if we are living in obedience—or to see if we are even Christians at all!
Second, we should be appreciative when others assess our spiritual health, even when such an assessment is uninvited. The reason that we should be grateful is that these outside assessors do not have the same blind spots we have when we examine ourselves. We tend to have too high (or too low) a view of specific elements of our own spiritual maturity, and these people may reveal something to us that would be hidden to our self-assessment. When others give a spontaneous evaluation of us, we should listen with trust that their motives are right (1 Cor. 13:7).
However, that does not mean that we should uncritically affirm their evaluation, whether it is bad or good. Rather, we should analyze the outside evaluation with the Bible and prayerfully examine it. It may be an accurate assessment, or maybe partially accurate. It may be entirely false. In any case, we should be careful not to reject or accept it immediately, but we should meditate on the Bible to see if it is accurate, and then respond accordingly. The danger of receiving a favorable assessment from another person is that we love to hear good things about ourselves, even if they are false. Again, we must guard against our own deceitful hearts and ensure that God’s Word is truly our standard.
Third, we should happily and graciously assess the spiritual health of others. In the most formal occurrence, this is what happens in church discipline when it occurs in line with Matthew 18:15-17. Informally, this is what happens when Christians talk and encourage one another or exhort one another. Biblically counseling our brothers and sisters in Christ requires these assessments, so that whether we see the fruit of the Spirit or the fruit of sin we respond accordingly with encouragement or rebuke. It is important to do this happily because it is a difficult task to undertake. It is challenging to stand before a sibling in Christ and deliver a biblical rebuke. On the other hand, the rewards of a biblical rebuke can be so great that even the most timid Christian can lovingly deliver one. The potential results of rebuke are increased obedience to God, increased love for the church, and increased fellowship between believers. This is truly a great reward!
If we would address our own spiritual health and the spiritual health of others with zeal and diligence, the church may very well blossom in a new age of joy and obedience! Sadly, there are few churches (much less individuals) that practice spiritual medicine on a regular basis. It sometimes takes great crises or scandals to awaken our senses to the spiritual plagues of our day—and by that point, it is usually too late. We ask God that He would stir us up to great zeal in this matter, so that the church may grow to a state of bodily health and maturity for His glory and for our good. You, then, Christian, should begin with yourself. Assess your spiritual health in line with God’s Word, and as you grow, help others to do the same.
May God grant that a new era of health and vitality sweep through the churches!
--Dean of Admissions
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