Who doesn't love a good quiz? Gotta admit, I fall for too many of them. After all, don't I need to know what Gilmore Girls character I am or which Disney Princess I resemble?
Even more fun is when you take a quiz with friends. Although I have to admit that I was a little embarrassed a few weeks ago when my online Bible study played a game where you gained points for every time you fixed your hair, wore real pants, wore a bra, put on makeup, or other things like that. It was right in the middle of the shut-down and my score was pitiful!!! Especially when it stacked up against my friends who determined early on in the shut down that they were going to get up and stick to their routine EVERY DAY no matter what. I’m not sure if they inspired me or made me feel ashamed, but either way, I’ve been trying to do better. Although it was supposed to be a fun game (and it was) for me it was also a “checkup” reminding me that I needed to put forth a little more effort and get back on the ball. Of course, this principle doesn’t just apply to our physical appearances. Even more important is that from time to time we give ourselves a “spiritual checkup” to make sure that we are maintaining our spiritual health during this bizarre season. I know, heading into this, we all had goals to become prayer warriors and Bible scholars. I mean, we finally had the time! What could hold us back now? Yet, looking back, how did we do? Did we follow through? Did the same thing that held us back before (laziness and apathy) rear it’s ugly head during the shut-down? Perhaps it’s time for a “spiritual checkup” to help us maintain a healthy spiritual routine.
Here are some questions to help you get started: 1. Are you maintaining a time of daily prayer? 2. Have you been praying more or less? 3. Have you found a place that is quiet and private to pray? (Let’s be honest, many of our pre-quarantine private places have been invaded by other people.) 4. Are you being consistent in your prayer life—-praying every day? 5. Are you consistently using your prayer language and praying in tongues? 6. Are you sticking to your Bible reading plan? 7. Are you still attending church either online or at a drive-thru service? 8. Have you joined a small group Bible study online? 9. Are you still giving 10% of all of your income to God—paying your tithe? 10. Have you been journalling? Bonus Question: How have you grown spiritually through this time? Hmmm….something to think about. I’ll be honest and admit there are areas on this list where I am knocking it out of the park and areas where I could do better. Of course, the point isn’t to rack up a score or even feel bad if you aren’t doing as well as you could be. Instead, this list is meant for self-evaluation. It’s a tool to help you take inventory of how you are doing through this unprecedented time and see where you need to make improvements. If you see an area where you should be doing better, don’t just feel bad about it. Do what I did when I realized that other women were trying harder than me to maintain their physical routines during quarantine—determine to try harder. --Spend some time in prayer today and determine to make it a daily routine. --Find a Bible reading plan and stick to it every day. --Start tithing. --Go back to church—even if your church hasn't opened yet you can go online or at a drive-in service. --Join a small group Bible study online—if you can’t find one, start one. --It’s never too late to begin doing the right thing. Today is a new day and a great opportunity for a fresh start. So be honest with yourself. Take some time for self-evaluation. Then get busy doing whatever it takes to live a life worthy of your calling.
----Adessa
Adessa Holden is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God specializing in Women's Ministry. Together with her brother, Jamie, they manage 4One Ministries and travel the East Coast speaking, holding conferences, and producing Men's and Women's resources that provide practical Biblical teaching for everyday life.
When asked about herself, she'll tell you "I'm a women's minister, a sister, and a daughter. I love to laugh and spend time with people. My favorite things are chocolate, the ocean, sandals and white capris, anything purple, summertime and riding in the car listening to music. It is my absolute honor and privilege to serve Jesus and women through this ministry.
