Morning Devotion

Sometimes, the most familiar of passages provide the most effective tools for measuring our faith.

Such self-assessments are important because we’re called to be increasingly Christlike in our thoughts and actions.

In I Corinthians 13:4-8, the Apostle Paul gives us a 12-step test for examining how much we’ve turned over our hearts and minds to the Lord.

This is an explicitly simple-to-understand test, though some of its findings might prompt some hard-to-swallow changes in our lives.

As you consider each of the steps, it’s essential that you are brutally honest with yourself, answering in a way that others who know you best would concur.

Why the complete transparency and pronounced humility in responding?

Because God is examining us at all times and sees behind every prideful facade.

Certainly we don’t want to have unresolved character issues when we stand before Him, right?

So here goes. Remember, if you can think of specific people who might think you’re not displaying these characteristics, then there’s work to do with God’s help.

Please print this Morning Devotion so you can pray over the spiritual growth needs you see in your life, and I will do the same. Mark the boxes for which spiritual growth is needed.

□ Love is patient — Would somebody I know feel that I haven’t been patient with him or her lately?

□ Love is kind — Have I shown active compassion to people at home or work or school or church who are hurting emotionally because of some loss?

□ It does not envy — Has my desire for the life situation or possessions of another infected my attitude toward him/her and toward God?

□ It does not boast — Would others ever perceive me as fishing for compliments? Or trying to boost my status among peers?

□ It is not proud — Am I willing to accept advice or correction? Do I act like a know-it-all sometimes?

□ It does not dishonor others — Is there somebody who might say that I insulted him or her? Do I wound people with sarcasm?

□ It is not self-seeking — Am I known by all as one who lets others go first?

□ It is not easily angered — Short fuses are signs of a weak faith. Do some see me getting upset over small things?

□ It keeps no record of wrongs — Wow. Faith and refusal to forgive don’t go together. Does somebody believe I’m holding a grudge against him or her?

□ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth — Am I known as one who refuses to gossip? Do I say things that could be perceived as tearing down another?

□ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres — Is there anybody I know who feels I joined in attacks against them rather than trying to help them?

□ Love never fails — Is there someone in my life who believes that I’ve stopped wanting the best for them and that I’m unwilling to help them?

I’m going through this list with a prayerful attitude because I want to be more like Christ. That way, I’ll be more effective as His servant. I pray that you’ll do the same.

As always, I love you

Martin

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Tags: compassion, faith, forgiveness, grace, humility, personal holiness, testimony