Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?

––2 Corinthians 13:5

As another year closes and we prepare to enter a new season, it’s a good time to take spiritual inventory. I try to do this every holiday season, before the coming of the New Year. I ask myself:

• Have I accomplished the tasks the Lord set before me this year?
• Did I set realistic expectations for myself and others?
• What can I do differently next year that I did not do this year?
• What does the Holy Spirit want me to focus on as I approach a new year?
• What areas of my life are holding me back—blind spots, flaws, or other defects of character?

Your list may be different, and let me be clear: I’m not talking about making resolutions that we rarely keep. I’m referring to a time of reflection where we take stock of where we’ve been, where we are, and where we sense the Holy Spirit is telling us to go.

Taking a spiritual inventory may be as simple as going through your calendar from the past 12 months and reviewing your appointments, meetings, events, and trips (both personal and professional), and asking the Holy Spirit to identify those events that mattered most to Him, and why. Did you spend your time in a way that honored His calling and vision for your life? What events were either unnecessary, wasteful, or even toxic? How can you spend your time more efficiently and effectively for His kingdom in the upcoming year?

This is not a guilt and shame exercise. Just the opposite. It’s a time for you to get alone with God in a quiet place for at least several hours (I have friends who go away by themselves for several days to take a spiritual inventory—though that’s neither realistic or practical for many guys.) It’s always an uplifting, hopeful process for me.

A spiritual inventory is a time for you to allow God to put your life in context—to take a spiritual deep breath and reflect on His path for you. Are you on the path? Have you strayed off of it a bit?

As we retreat from the world, we are able to hear His voice more clearly. I get it. Some of you are young dads or have a very full life, either at home or at work. Maybe it’s impossible for you to escape to some bucolic, snow-dusted cabin for three days. Work in advance with your spouse and explain what you are doing, and why you’re doing it. Then head to your favorite coffee shop or book store, find a comfortable corner, and pray through your list of spiritual inventory items. Set aside at least three hours.

I guarantee you this: the time will not be wasted, and God will delight in meeting you where you are, in preparation for where you are going.

Lord, help me plan and execute a time for taking spiritual inventory—speak to me clearly about this coming year and Your will for my life.

 

 

Every Man Ministries