Evaluating Spiritual Progress
Discipleship S.T.E.P.S.: Equip
Scripture: Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? – 2 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV)
Self-examination is a vital discipline that prevents the slow drift into spiritual complacency. Paul’s command to ‘examine yourselves’ is not meant to foster neurotic doubt, but to ensure that our foundation is truly in Christ. Spiritual growth is often subtle, and without regular checkpoints, we might convince ourselves that we are growing when we are actually merely maintaining religious appearances. Genuine growth is marked by the fruit of the Spirit and a deepening love for the presence of Christ.
Take time today to step back and ask the hard questions: Is my life marked by increasing love, joy, and peace? Do I hunger for His Word more than I did a month ago? Am I more sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit? By honestly assessing your walk with Christ, you invite the Holy Spirit to prune the dead branches and strengthen the roots. Do not fear the evaluation; invite it so that your life may reflect the reality of Christ living in you.
Prompt: Are you taking time to regularly examine your own heart and life to ensure you are truly growing in the faith?
Action Step: The Equip module encourages believers to use tools like the Discipleship Assessment to objectively evaluate their spiritual progress.
Next Step: Complete a section of the Discipleship Assessment to identify areas for growth.