A Spiritual Checkup

by Pastor Robert C. Stone

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"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:8-9

You shall have no other gods before me: Pride

Who comes first in my life—God or myself? His will or mine? Have I been vain or boastful about my looks, clothing, ability, possessions, family background, success? Belittled others for their sins, poverty, ignorance, race, or religion?

Have I been sorry for myself, stubborn, bossy, or dictatorial? Refused to apologize, admit myself wrong? Have I learned true humility?

You shall not make for yourself any idol: Idolatry and Fear

Have I loved some person or thing more than I love God? Failed to do what I knew was right for fear that I might be unpopular or suffer hurt or embarrassment? Do I worry about food, money, health? Have I learned the meaning of courage? If I suffered some great loss, pain, disappointment, would I lose my faith?

You shall not misuse the name of the Lord: Irreverence

Have I been careless in my language; flippant with the name of God, or the holy name of Jesus? Indulged in other forms of profanity? Have I been reverent in the Church, honoring His cross, remembering His presence? Have I prepared myself spiritually before each Communion, or have I received thoughtlessly?

Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy: Spiritual Laziness

Have I missed Sunday worship through late sleep? Too much party Saturday night? Excused myself because of homework, housework, guests, or entertainment? And how about my "grace" at meals? Daily Bible reading? Do I need more discipline?

Honor your father and your mother: Disrespect

Have I been loving and thoughtful toward my parents? Cared for them in illness? Helped them, visited, written to them, prayed for them? Is their burden lighter or heavier because of me?

And do I show respect to all in authority, observing and obeying traffic laws, tax laws, etc., or do I try to get away with things when I think I won't be caught?

You shall not commit murder: Hate and Anger

Do I hold a grudge against anyone? Have I struck anyone in anger? Hurt them by ridicule or unkind gossip? Endangered lives by fast driving?

Is there anyone I have not forgiven or am not on speaking terms with? Have I failed to show love, holding resentments, neglecting the sick, the lonely, the bereaved, the poor?

You shall not commit adultery: Lust, Impurity

Have I been impure in thought, word, or deed? Indulged in unclean stories, pictures, jokes, immoral media? Been immodest in action or dress? Am I practicing temperance in all things? Keeping my body physically fit, a "temple" of the Holy Spirit? Is there anything going on in my life that I would be ashamed to reveal to my family, friends, or minister?

You shall not steal: Dishonesty

Have I taken what did not belong to me? Cheated in any way at home, school, or business? Wasted other people's time by being late? Gambled, seeking to win by luck at the expense of others? Paid bills and pledges? Returned things I borrowed?

Do I practice honesty and faithful stewardship with the many gifts and blessings that I have received?

You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor: Lying and Deceit

Have I told a direct lie to anyone? Exaggerated? Accused a person on hearsay? Silently allowed others to be blamed for what was my fault? Criticized others for sins I, too, have committed? Worshipped the Lord on Sunday without really trying to follow Him through the week?

Recognizing my need to make amends and establish the truth?

You shall not covet: Jealousy and Envy

Have I been jealous because others have more possessions or friends? Envied their success and popularity? Been glad when others failed? Been sad, discontented? Indulged in self-pity?

Have I ever forgotten that God loves me, that God is in me, that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me?