Take This New Year's Spiritual Inventory Now
When I worked for my uncle in his little grocery store, every so often, he'd have me take inventory.
He needed to know where he stood, what he had, and what he needed. He wanted the details.
So, I took my pad and pen and listed everything in the walk-in cooler, on the shelves in the customer aisles, on the little stands on the checkout counters, and even in the shed out back, where I always found hidden things I wasn’t supposed to list and critters that I was supposed to kill.
When I was done, the store seemed more organized even though nothing had changed. We all felt more responsible. We knew clearly what needed to be done next.
Now, I transfer that exercise into my annual routine.
I take inventory every year.
I do it several times throughout the year, but I do an unabridged version at the beginning of each New Year. It feels good, even though I find things I wish were different. It ties together loose ends and helps me develop a plan for going where I want to go.
Often, I’m encouraged, seeing victories I'd forgotten about and growth of which I wasn’t aware.
The best type of inventory is a spiritual one.
I want to help us do our spiritual inventory right now.
As we do this, remember that an inventory is a tool.
I’ve chosen actions we'll do if we walk close to God.
That makes this tool invaluable, for it evaluates our walk with God, highlights our successes, and reveals our path for future growth. This is a rugged tool if used correctly.
It’s easy for us to say we love God fully, but if we aren't seeing the ten things this inventory evaluates, we probably aren’t as healthy as we say.
Remember, all good plans involve an honest appraisal of where we are, a compelling picture of where we want to be, and a clear path to get us from here to there.
This inventory begins with a ruthless evaluation of our “here.”
In his book Good to Great, Jim Collins claims that breakthrough results come from a series of good decisions stacked on each other.
He then claims that disciplined thought shows us how to make those good decisions. That kind of thinking consists of (1) constantly understanding reality and (2) making simple yet insightful decisions based on reality.
He claims, “One thing is certain: You absolutely cannot make a series of good decisions without first confronting the brutal facts” (2001, pg. 70).
That is what I encourage us to do: confront the brutal facts of our spiritual life.
As we do, most likely, with our knowledge and the Holy Spirit’s wisdom, we'll discover our next steps toward our goal of living our life on God’s agenda, becoming like Christ, and making a significant change in the world for the Kingdom of God.
Each question is based on an activity or attitude that will both train us and overflow from us as we grow in that area.
Some Instructions:
Grab a comfy spot. Rid the room of distractions. Clear your schedule—an hour would be good. Turn off electronic devices. Ask God to help, encourage, and challenge.
Ready?
Read one question at a time. If needed, look up the supporting biblical verses and ponder those. Finally, write brutally honest answers. Stop and pray when needed. Stare out the window and think if it helps. Let God love you and lead you. It’s time to take inventory.
The Spiritual Inventory:
Do I fear/respect God? (Proverbs 9:10; Jeremiah 5:22, 24; Isaiah 66:2, 4-5)
Do I spend regular time in God’s Word and in prayer? (Psalm 1; Mark 1:35)
Am I free from primarily chasing after material, financial, career, and self-centered things? (Matthew 6:28-34; Romans 8:32)
Is my generosity really generous? (Malachi 3; 1 Timothy 6:17-19)
Is God’s will the major focus of my daily life? (Matthew 6:21; 1 Corinthians 10:31)
Is my worship authentic and passionate? (Isaiah 6; Psalm 100).
Is my heart as compassionate for and my actions as engaged with the lost and the hurting as God’s is, serving and witnessing? (Matthew 18:12-13; Psalm 116:5).
Do I prioritize my relationship with God and not substitute doctrine/belief for a relationship with God? (Matthew 7:6; 21-23; Isaiah 29:13)
Am I free of ongoing sin habits? (1 John 1:5-6)
Do I have a few Christian friends who know me and are known by me, who sharpen and shape me, and who give me grace and love? (Proverbs 13:20; 27:17; Hebrews 10:23-25)