A Spiritual Inventory: What’s In the Way of Your Walk?

A Spiritual Inventory: What’s In the Way of Your Walk?

This morning, loved ones, I am doing a Spiritual inventory. I’m evaluating my life, and the things I spend my time and money on, and I am wondering: what is in the way of my walk with Jesus? The fact that I am a Gospel Preacher doesn’t mean that I have a closer relationship with God than anyone else: in fact, I know many who are behind the pulpit who were never called there, but for various reasons (obligation, recognition, wanting to change the Church, comparison of themselves to someone other than Christ, and more) are not called to the position. Loved ones, we’re not meant to compare ourselves to other Christians: when we stand before God, each of us will give an account of what we have done with the lives He has given us (Romans 14:12).

And so, I am taking a Spiritual inventory: what am I doing with my life? What am I spending my time, treasures and talents on? Am I glorifying God and building up His people with the things I have been given for a time? When I give an account to God, what will be done in Him, and what will be burned away? I say this because it is written:

“Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 13:12-15)

So I am asking myself, and you: what is in the way of your walk? What is leading you closer to Christ, and what is hindering your steps toward Him? What are you building for yourself, and what are you building IN Him? We need to honestly evaluate ourselves, check our motivations, and ask ourselves: am I seeking my glory, or His? Am I seeking my comfort, or am I willing to die for Him in every way? Am I denying myself, taking up my cross and following Him daily, or am I building idols without even realizing it? May we cast aside everything that is earthly in us, and leave the old-self buried with Jesus Christ. May all we do and are bring glory to Him, even if the weather in our lives is fair, or the skies are full of rain, wind and thunder. Whatever we do, may God receive all glory, and may Christ be magnified in our lives.

1 Peter 4

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And

“If the righteous is scarcely saved,

what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.