River City is in trouble. We’re not in trouble because we don’t have a band and our children are going bad, rather it’s because of our inability to create a place for God in our lives and invite him to stay without running him out later when something better comes along.
As many of you know, I have struggled with consistently pursuing my own spiritual development. This has, in part, led me to the master’s degree that I’m working on.
I have for some time wanted to evaluate my spiritual life, but have not really known how. I know that I’m not where I’d like to be, but, I wanted something more concrete to look at. As a part of the next course, we are completing this type of assessment. The assessment tool is the Spiritual Growth Planner from the Spiritual Disciplines Handbook : Practices That Transform Us by Adele Calhoun. This is a subjective measure since I am rating myself, but it was eye-opening just the same.
We started with a description of where we are in our desire for each of the categories (your turn below). Then, each category had 2-3 thought questions followed by 4 questions to rate yourself. The section ended by asking which of the 4 questions created a strong desire within me.
Part 1
Here‘s your opportunity. Where are you in your desire to:
| Worship the Trinity | |
| Open Yourself to God | |
| Relinquish the False Self and Idols of Your Heart | |
| Share Your Life | |
| Hear God’s Word | |
| Incarnate the Love of Christ | |
| Pray Your Life | |
Here’s mine:
| Worship the Trinity | A grateful response to God that shows itself in worship (among other things). |
| Open Yourself to God | I long to lay myself bare; to give God free reign in the interior of my heart. |
| Relinquish the False Self and Idols of Your Heart | As I am open, the crutches of the past show themselves as they really are, worthless. |
| Share Your Life | As I am open, I share my life with others – with words or silence as God leads. |
| Hear God’s Word | Open myself to what God is saying in his Word. |
| Incarnate the Love of Christ | Live my open life, doing God’s will, serving, and loving. |
| Pray Your Life | With an open heart, I pray as led by the Spirit. |
Notice this is about desire, not about what I am competent at or what I have accomplished.
Part 2
Here is a sampling of the questions to consider. How would you rate yourself (1-4) on these:
Worship the Trinity
I am aware of God’s presence in my life, confident of his love for me and intentionally celebrate our connection.
Worshipping with fellow believers gives me a deep sense of joy and God’s presence.
Open Yourself to God
I regularly and intentionally make space in my life for prayerfully listening to God at home, at work and with others.
I can admit my mistakes, weaknesses and growing edges to God as well as others.
Relinquish the False Self and Idols of Your Heart
I am able to leave the crowded, noisy world of acclaim and doing behind, retreating into silence and solitude with God and letting him restore me.
I recognize my addictions and compulsions, and am committed to living free of them.
Share Your Life
I have a relationship with someone who helps me grow in my spiritual walk.
I am not judgmental toward others. I know how to make peace and deal with anger in constructive ways. I am not argumentative and contentious.
Hear God’s Word
On a regular basis I am nourished by spending time with God and his Word.
I have a plan for reading scripture.
Incarnate the Love of Christ
I know my gifts and contribute then to the kingdom of God. I am more concerned about building God’s kingdom than my own.
People with problems, needs, sorrows and losses seek me out. They know I care.
Pray My Life
My prayer life is not mostly about myself and my needs.
I am aware of how God speaks to me, and I know how to listen to God and recognize his voice.
Part 3
Which of the categories or questions really struck your heart? Did you find a place where your heart was cold? What will you do with those?
Though this isn’t the complete assessment, it will give you a taste of the richness of this tool.
