Spiritual Check-In: Assessing Strengths and Growth Areas

In our spiritual journeys, we often find ourselves at crossroads, feeling lost or uncertain. Just like navigating through a challenging terrain, assessing our spiritual health is crucial for growth and flourishing. Today, we’ll explore how to evaluate where we stand spiritually and how to chart a path forward, using insights from personal experiences and research.

Lost in a Snowstorm: A Personal Journey

Let me take you back to a couple of years ago in Colorado, during what’s known as the mud season in Grand County. It’s that time when everything is melting, the trails are muddy, and outdoor activities come to a halt. I had ventured out for a hike with a friend, both of us not being seasoned hikers. We found ourselves trekking through the beautiful East Inlet area, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. As we hiked, I noticed the eerie quiet around us; we were the only hikers on the trail.

Suddenly, a snowstorm hit, blanketing the path and obscuring our way back. Without GPS or phone service to call for help, we were faced with a choice: panic and despair or start charting our way home. We opted for the latter, recalling landmarks we had passed. Eventually, we made it back to the trailhead, relief washing over us. This experience mirrored life itself, where we often set out full of optimism, only to find ourselves lost and unsure of our next steps.

The Importance of Charting a Path

Life can feel overwhelming at times. You may start with a clear vision, only to find yourself stuck or wandering aimlessly. This is why it’s essential to chart a course, especially in our spiritual lives. Many of us hope to grow spiritually without a defined path, thinking that growth will happen naturally. But just like with finances or health, spiritual growth requires a plan.

To start, we need to assess where we currently are. This involves understanding our baseline—our starting point. Whether you’re creating a budget or setting fitness goals, knowing where you stand is crucial. The same goes for your spiritual journey. We need a way to evaluate our spiritual health and growth areas.

Understanding Spiritual Growth

One of the challenges we face in measuring spiritual growth is defining what counts. Is it the number of prayers we say? The amount we give to the church? Or how many Bible verses we read each day? These questions can feel daunting, but research from Harvard University and the Barna Group provides a framework for understanding spiritual and human flourishing.

They identified seven dimensions of human flourishing: health, character, contentment, finances, relationships, spiritual relationship with God, and sense of purpose. Each of these dimensions can help us gauge whether we’re thriving or need to focus on growth areas. Just as you need to know your maximum weight to lift in the gym, understanding where we are spiritually is essential to moving forward.

Flourishing vs. Surviving

Flourishing is more than just surviving; it’s about living vibrantly. Psalm 92:12 tells us, “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree; they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon.” This imagery of growth and strength is vital as we consider our spiritual health. Just as we can identify when a plant is thriving or dying, we should be able to recognize our spiritual state.

Next week, we’ll explore the agricultural metaphors used in Jesus’ teachings, which highlight the importance of growth. While many of us don’t grow our own food anymore, we still understand the signs of health in plants. The same principle applies to our spiritual lives; we must recognize when we’re flourishing and when we need to make changes.

Mapping Our Spiritual Journey

So, how do we begin this journey of growth? First, we must know our starting point. GPS technology has made navigation easier, but in our spiritual lives, we often lack that clear direction. Proverbs reminds us that while we can make plans, “the Lord determines our steps.” It’s essential to align our plans with God’s will to see real progress.

When we make plans without seeking God’s insight, we can become frustrated when things don’t go as expected. Just like a building plan requires approval from the city, our plans should be submitted to God. Only then can we find clarity and direction.

The Role of a Guide

Having a guide is invaluable, especially in unfamiliar territory. Imagine hiking without someone who knows the path. God offers us guidance through His Spirit, who dwells within us, helping us navigate life’s challenges. Trusting God’s plan can alleviate anxiety and allow us to focus on our growth.

John 10:10 states that Jesus came to give us life to the fullest. This abundant life is not just about surviving day by day; it’s about flourishing in our relationship with God. Corrie ten Boom reminded us not to fear our unknown future when we trust a known God.

Tools for Spiritual Assessment

To track our progress, we need tools. Just as doctors measure children’s growth, we should regularly evaluate our spiritual health. This brings us to the Church Pulse Assessment, a tool designed to help us understand our spiritual formation.

This assessment combines research from Harvard and the Barna Group, providing a clearer picture of where we stand spiritually. It’s not a test with right or wrong answers; instead, it’s a way to discover your strengths and areas for growth. In about two weeks, I’ll receive an overview report for our church, helping us identify collective strengths and growth areas.

Taking the Assessment

Today, I invite you to take out your smartphones and participate in the Church Pulse Assessment. It’s a quick assessment that will take about eight minutes. If you don’t finish during this time, don’t worry—you can complete it later. Access it through our church app or our website.

As we embark on this journey together, let’s pray for guidance and clarity. May we assess our spiritual health honestly and take steps closer to God this year.

Prayer: God, thank you for this time together. Help us to assess where we are spiritually and guide us in our growth. May we draw closer to you in the coming year. In Jesus' name, amen.