Personal Check – Up for the New Year
Thomas Guthrie said, “If you find yourself loving any pleasure more than your prayers, any book better than the Bible, any house better than the house of the Lord, any table better than the Lord’s Table, any persons better than Christ, or any indulgence better than the hope of heaven — be alarmed!” We should ask ourselves those three probing questions which help evaluate where we are headed spiritually. Have you ever been happier in the Lord than you are now? Have you ever been closer to the Lord than you are now? Have you ever been more used of the Lord than you are now? God’s people must take nothing for granted but be sober, vigilant and careful to keep our heart true to the Lord and separated unto Him in devotion, dedication and holiness. Pray one for another that we not fail of the grace of God. Spurgeon described the seriousness of backsliding this way, “Backsliders began with dusty Bibles and end with filthy garments. It’s dangerous to backslide in any degree, for we know not to what it may lead.” Self – evaluation is constantly necessary in order to avoid spiritual drift. Ask questions of your soul – What do I think about the most? What do I talk of the most? What do I do with my spare time? What do I laugh at, who do I spend time with, and how do I spend my money? Above all ask, what do I do when I’m all alone?