Six questions for spiritual self-diagnosis

Like many of you, I have more than one doctor. I visit my family doctor annually, but with the regular change of seasons in New Jersey, I visit my allergist regularly. I never feel rushed when I’m with either of them, and they have the same approach: they ask questions. Those questions give them the ability to determine the state of my physical health.

It got me thinking: what if I would learn to ask myself questions routinely?  Questions that – when answered honestly – might help me diagnose my present spiritual condition. I recently came across six of those kinds of questions in Paul Tripp’s book Dangerous Calling. Since they were helpful for me, perhaps they will be for you as well. While directed towards ministers, the questions are effective heart diagnostics whatever your calling.  I attempted to answer them with the first word that came to mind. I encourage you to do the same as you attempt to diagnose your heart condition.

1-The absence of what causes me to want to give up and quit?

2-The pursuit of what leads to me feeling overburdened and overwhelmed?

3-The fear of what makes me tentative and timid rather than courageous and hopeful?

4-The craving for what makes me burn the candle at both ends until I have little left?

5-The “need” for what robs my ministry of its beauty and joy?

6-The desire for what sets up tensions between my work and my family?

My answers caused me to realize I needed some heart work. Perhaps, yours did too. Like any good doctor would tell you, perhaps it’s time to make some changes.

No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other…Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need (Mat. 6:24, 33, NLT).