I thought this was an excellent Spiritual Inventory exercise taken from the factsofthematter.org Business and Professional newsletter:
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Where is my primary focus? “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God's right hand in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth.” (Col. 3:1, 2) + (See Psa. 17:14; 73:25; 2 Cor. 4:18; Philip. 3:20; Heb. 11:13)
Do I have a real, secret inner life with God? “For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Col. 3:3) (See Jn. 17:21,23; 2 Cor. 5:15; Gal. 2:20; Col. 2:11-14; I Pet. 1:8; 4:1,2)
Am I taking prudent steps to avoid sexual sins? “So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual sin, impurity, lust, and shameful desires…” (Col 3:5a) (See Psa. 119:9-11; Pro. 4:14, 15; Rom. 6:6; 8:13; I Cor. 6:18; Gal. 5:16, 24; 2 Tim. 2:22; I Pet. 2:11)
Who is winning the battle? Contentment or greed? “Don't be greedy for the good things of this life, for that is idolatry.” (Col. 3:5b) (See Psa. 119:36; Mi. 2:1,2; I Cor. 6:9, 10; 10:2-8; Eph. 4:19; 1 Tim. 6:6; I Pet. 2:11
How am I dealing with anger, impure speech, and dishonesty? “But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don't lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old evil nature and all its wicked deeds.” (Col. 3:8,9) (See Psa. 37:8; Matt. 5:22; Eph. 4:29, 31,32; 5:4; 2 Pet. 2:18; Lev. 19:11; Jer. 9:3-5)
What practical steps am I taking to renew my inner life toward knowing Christ more intimately? “In its place you have clothed yourselves with a brand-new nature that is continually being renewed as you learn more and more about Christ, who created this new nature within you.” (Col. 3:10) (See Psa. 51:10; Ezek. 18:31; 36:26; Eph. 4:22-24)
Is my life characterized by love, as evidenced by mercy, kindness, humility, patience and forgiveness? “Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. .You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony.” (Col 3:12-14) (See Matt. 18:21-37; Lk. 6:35-37; Jn. 15:12; Rom. 12:9,10; 1 Cor. 13; Rom. 15:1,2; Gal. 6:2)
Does Christ’s peace rule in my heart – as evidenced by a thankful heart? “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” (Col. 3:15) (See Psa. 29:11; Isa. 26:3; Jn. 14:27; Rom. 5:1; 14:17; 15:13; Phil. 4:6,7)
Is the word of God alive in my heart, as evidenced by my joyful sharing of it with others? “Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” (Col. 3:16) (See. Dt. 6:6-8; 8:18-20; Jer. 15:16; I Cor. 4:26; Col. 1:28,29)
Do my actions reflect the very character of Jesus? “And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.” (Col. 3:17) (See 1Chron. 31:20-22; Col. 3:23)
Am I cultivating a secret life of prayer? “Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” (Col. 4:2) (See 1 Sam 12:23; Psa. 55:16; Lk. 18:1; Rom. 12:12; Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6,7; Col. 1:19; 4:12; I Thes. 5:17,18)
Am I prayerfully and wisely seeking to win the lost to Christ? And am I praying for others of like mind and heart? “Don't forget to pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to preach about his secret plan—that Christ is also for you Gentiles. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone.” (Col. 4:3-6) (See I Cor. 2:4,5; 2 Cor. 2:14-17; 4:1-3; Eph. 4:295:25-32; 6:19, 20)
In my pilgrimage, am I deeply engaged in a community of like-minded followers of Christ? (Col. 4:7-18)
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