7 Questions That Will Make You Examine Your Life

As believers we can sometimes take many things in our life for granted. We are blessed to have the hope of an eternal future, God’s grace in abundance, and peace that passes all understanding. Yet we must be careful that we don’t get careless about our spiritual walk. Paying close attention to our lives will help us to stay on the right track of our faith and remain sensitive to the leadings of the Holy Spirit. Check out the 7 questions that will make you examine your life:

Question #1) Do I really believe what I say I believe?

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22).

It’s much easier to say we believe God’s word than it is for us to live it. Because of the desires of our flesh, the pull of the world, and the temptations of Satan, we can sometimes forget that hearing and doing God’s word are a necessity for spiritual growth. It’s impossible for us to merely “decide” to live out God’s word; rather we need to humbly submit ourselves to Him with a willingness to follow wherever He leads through the Holy Spirit.

Question #2) How is my life different from those who live in the world?

“They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us” (1 John 4:5-6).

Many of us live nominal Christian lives as we choose the easiest and most convenient paths in which to serve God. However we must be careful of living closely as those in the world—so that no real distinction can be made. We are a peculiar people, ambassadors in a different land, and uniquely called by God for a special purpose. Therefore we can’t waste time aligning our lives as those who are perishing, but rather seek out God and live as He leads in our daily lives.

Question #3) What do my recreational choices reveal about me?

“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5).

What we choose as entertainment reveals what our heart really loves. There’s nothing wrong with recreational choices that broadened our enjoyment of the world that God gives us. However we must be careful to keep those choices from gaining more influence on our hearts that could lead down the road of idolatry.

Question #4) If I was denied access to my Bible for the rest of my life, do I have enough knowledge to still grow in my faith?

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).

It could be a sad reminder of our lack of diligent study if our Bibles were suddenly deemed illegal. Would we have enough in us to know the truth from a lie or teach our families God’s word? It’s a great investment to daily challenge ourselves with the reading and memorization of scriptures. His word grows like a seed in our hearts to one day flourish with truth.

Question #5) Would I be willing to suffer for my faith?

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:12-13).

Very few of us would choose to suffer for our faith; however, for those who choose Christ, suffering is a part of the package. The beauty of suffering is how it can align our thoughts and actions with the Lord who also suffered. Many of us who suffer have found ourselves coming out of it with more strength, courage, and love for God.

Question #6) Is there enough evidence of Christ’s presence in my life to draw people to the faith?

“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life” (2 Corinthians 2:15-16).

Many  of us live and work around those who are lost. While we may be restricted in many ways, we are free to show the love of Christ in demonstration of our peace, kindness, and gentleness among the lost. Our story of moving from darkness to light is most evident when we are challenged with problems and situations.

Question #7) What does my prayer life reveal about my relationship with God?

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2).

Can we have a relationship with people and yet never communicate with them? Why would it be any different for God? We must strive towards connecting with God in prayer on a daily basis if we are to grow closer to Him. The Lord longs for us to talk and share with Him so that we can know His voice when the troubles of life roar.

Question Yourself

Family or friends may question our faith; however, we must be willing to examine our own lives with regularity. As we ask ourselves the hard questions, we can seek help from the Lord to live up to His expectations for us. Never stop examining your heart regardless of how long you’ve been walking with the Lord. You will never regret it.

Article by Crystal McDowell

Crystal McDowell is a writer, speaker, and teacher with a passion to encourage believers to know and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through practical application of God’s word.  

Crystal and her husband, Marshall, raise their five children in the Bloomington, IL. As a freelance writer and editor for over 13 years, Crystal has published numerous Christian curriculums for Sunday School and VBS as well as many articles dealing with marriage, motherhood, and relationships. She’s a weekly staff writer for www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com as well as writing her own blog at http://crystalmcdowellspeaks.blogspot.com.