Time For A Check Up

“Ahhhhh,” “Ahhhhh,” he nervously complied as he felt the cool tongue depressor pressing down. It was just the beginning of his physical and the clinical scents of antiseptic and latex only heightened his anxiety. The tension continued to build as he heard the nurse enter the room. She smiled but he saw right through her vail attempt to comfort him. The small tray of torture devices she held in her hands showed her true intentions. “How could she be so cruel?” he thought to himself as the nurse prepared the needles and vials with cold calculated precision. The dreaded moment had arrived and his mind began racing… “Would it hurt? How long would it take?” Feeling the elastic band around his arm he closed his eyes, clinched his teeth and hoped for the best. 

If you’re like me, you certainly can relate to the stress of getting a physical, especially when you have your blood drawn. I hate needles. Yet all of the poking and prodding is a necessary evil we endure to make sure we’re healthy– so please bear with me as we take our yearly spiritual exam. Now how exactly do you get a spiritual exam? I’m glad you asked. It’s quite simple really. We look at ourselves to see if we’re bearing fruit i.e. doing good works. In Luke 13:7-9 Jesus gives us the parable of the fig tree that would not bear fruit. The owner was going to cut it down but the vineyard worker pleaded to give the tree more time and he would nurture it. If the tree still didn't produce fruit, then cut it down. The parable is a warning that God has given us ample time to do the work we're supposed to do as Christians. 

With that being said, let’s begin our spiritual physical. Looking back on the past year did you help feed or clothe someone who was homeless (Isa 58:7)? How about taking up for those who can’t defend themselves (Isa 1:17)? Hopefully at some point last year you spoke out against abortion or championed the right for minorities and immigrants, etc to be treated fairly. I’m not calling for you to start a movement but with the advent of social media we all have a voice. At the very least we can help our coworkers and friends see issues from a Christian perspective.

It’s also easier than ever to donate to disaster relief like the floods in Asheville or the fires in LA. If you don’t have a lot to give, then give your time. Surely we can all spare an hour or two at our local church. Speaking of church, count how many times you attended last year. Are you off to a good start this year? Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian but a Christian should be going to church. Your congregation will soon (if not already) send out your offering statement from last year. Will God be pleased at what you gave back to him? Perhaps the most difficult self examination question is this: how many people did you share the gospel with last year? 

There’s no getting around it; we’re called to make disciples for Christ (Matt 28:18-20). Unfortunately, we oftentimes are afraid to share the gospel because we don’t feel comfortable in what we know. Well it’s time to get comfortable by attending those Sunday and Wednesday Bible classes you’ve been skipping out on. I hope I haven’t cause you much angst but a spiritual exam lets you know how much we all need the Great Physician. 

Think about it.