Pentecostal Evangel

Taking the test

Editor’s note: New Year’s is a significant day for followers of Jesus Christ. It’s a time to evaluate one’s walk with God and to address areas that may need improvement. Following is a list of questions you can use when taking your personal year-end inventory:

YOUR SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE
“The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”
(Philippians 4:5,6, NIV).

YES or NO

Do you consider fasting when facing major decisions or problems?
Do you open your Bible every day?
Do you practice Scripture memorization?
Do you make prayer a part of your daily routine?
Do you wait quietly before the Lord each day?
Do you consider church attendance a privilege to be pursued?
Do entertainment choices take away from time with God?

GUIDANCE: 2 Peter 1:1-11; Ephesians 6:10-18; James 1:22-25; 5:13-18; Romans 8:26,27; Matthew 6:9-14; Philippians 4:5,6; Psalm 19:1-14; Colossians 3:15-17; Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 6:16-18; Acts 2:42-47; 13:2,3

YOUR PRIVATE LIFE
“Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit” (Psalm 32:2).

YES or NO

Do you do the right thing even when it costs you?
Do you forgive those who mistreat you?
Do secret sins hinder your relationship with God?
Do you give to others expecting nothing in return?
Do you answer questions with an intentional untruth?
Do you hurt others’ reputations with gossip?
Do you give false impressions of yourself?
Do you honor your word?
Do you have control over your thought life?

GUIDANCE: Psalms 12:2; 32:2; 62:4; Proverbs 12:20; 25:14; Matthew 5:37

YOUR FAITH
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

YES or NO

Do your friends and relatives know where you stand spiritually?
Do you look for opportunities to share your faith?
Do you know the plan of salvation and are you able to articulate it?
Do you pray for people who are spiritually lost?
Do you seek the Holy Spirit’s continual fullness so that you can be an effective witness?
Do you give to missions projects beyond your tithe?

GUIDANCE: Matthew 28:19; John 4:35-38; 2 Corinthians 5:14,18,20; Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; 1 Timothy 2:1-5

YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace” (Colossians 3:15).

YES or NO

Do you attempt to reconcile with your enemies?
Do you have a good reputation?
Do you invest yourself in people?
Are you a good listener?
Do you look for opportunities to make new friends?
Do you help others achieve their dreams?
Do you encourage others in the faith through your example?

GUIDANCE: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; Proverbs 11:29; 25:21; Ephesians 4:1-6,32; 5:22-33; 6:1-4; Colossians 3:13-21; John 15:12-14

YOUR COMPASSION
“Share with God’s people who are in need” (Romans 12:13).

YES or NO

Do you know the needs of your neighbors?
Do you pray for the poor and suffering?
Do you look for ways to anonymously bless people?
Do you bless your pastor?
Do you give of your time and resources to help people in need?

GUIDANCE: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; Luke 6:17-21; 12:32-34; Proverbs 3:27,28; 11:24-26; 21:13; Matthew 6:19-21; Romans 12:13; Colossians 3:12,13; Philippians 2:1-4

YOUR JOB
“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1).

YES or NO

Do you consider your job a spiritual activity?
Do you give your employer a full day’s work?
Do you honor God with how you perform your tasks or conduct business?

GUIDANCE: Ephesians 1:11,12; 2:10; 4:1,2; 6:5-9; 2 Thessalonians 1:11,12; Colossians 3:17-25; Titus 2:9,10

YOUR STEWARDSHIP
“A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished” (Proverbs 28:20).

YES or NO

Do you overspend?
Do you suffer from high interest payments?
Do you debate whether or not to tithe?
Do you pray about major purchases?
Do you teach your children generosity toward God’s work?

GUIDANCE: Matthew 24:44-51; 25:14-30; 2 Samuel 22:26,27; Proverbs 28:19,20; 1 Timothy 6:9-11; 1 Peter 4:10,11

YOUR TIME MANAGEMENT
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

YES or NO

Do you use the time you have wisely?
Do you exhibit patience when people slow you down or waste your time?
Do you sacrifice participation at church due to a busy schedule?
Do you devote adequate time to your spouse and children?
Do you begin and end each day with time pressures?
Do you value others’ time?
Do you make your time available to God?

GUIDANCE: Galatians 5:22; Colossians 1:11; 3:12; Proverbs 10:4; 12:11,24; James 4:14,15

YOUR HEALTH
“Praise the Lord … who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:2,5).

YES or NO

Do you watch what you eat?
Do you exercise regularly?
Do you get enough sleep?
Do you eat breakfast?
Do you maintain an optimistic outlook?

GUIDANCE: Proverbs 3:5-8; 4:20-22; 15:30; 17:22; 23:19-21; Psalm 103:1-5; 1 Corinthians 6:19,20

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