I’m always excited for the New Year to begin. There is a great deal of excitement and hope in setting goals and making resolutions for the new year. The most common goals tend to deal with physical health and it is not uncommon to hear of goals pertaining to emotional wellbeing and intellectual growth.

However, this time of year is a wonderful reminder to evaluate your spiritual state and consider how you would like to grow spiritually in the coming year. The Apostle Paul reminds us about the great importance of spiritual discipline and health. He says, “discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Tim 4:7-8). The Lord Jesus is very concerned with us using our time in this life to bear good spiritual fruit for Him and His Kingdom by obeying His commands. In order to do so, we must remain healthy by staying closely connected to Him (John 15:1-10).

The Constitution of Grace Point Church calls for every member to take a spiritual growth assessment every year. Below, you will find the assessment and exercise I’ve prepared for Grace Point Church for 2023. I would like to invite you to take some time this week to consider your soul. How is your relationship with the Lord? How would you like to see yourself grow spiritually this year? What kind of eternal difference will you strive to make on behalf of King Jesus in 2023?

Read Mark 12:28-31.

On a scale of 0-10, how intensely are you loving God? (0 = not at all. 10 = very intensely).

0 1   2   3   4    5    6   7    8    9   10

In what areas in your life could you be loving God more fully?

Read Exodus 20:1-17.

Which of the ten commandments do you struggle with most often?

What steps can you implement in 2023 to honor the Lord’s command(s) more faithfully?

Read James 1:2-4 and 1 Peter 5:6-10.

How do you usually react when you face suffering, hardship, or trials?

What do your past reactions reveal about your view of God’s role in your hardships?

How can you prepare your heart and mind for future trials so you can honor the Lord in your reactions to them?

Read 2 Corinthians 13:5.  

When did you first hear the gospel of Jesus’ death & resurrection?

When did you repent of sin and place your trust in Jesus for salvation?

How has God changed your beliefs, attitudes, and actions since you have been saved?

Read Hebrews 12:1-3.

Are there any sins in your life that you need to repent of?

Are there any “encumbrances/hindrances/weights” that you need to “lay aside” because they are getting in the way of your service to the Lord? (Examples are inordinate time on social media or hobbies, excessive travel, overworking, etc.).

Read James 4:17.

Is there something you know the Lord wants you to do that you have been neglecting?

What is keeping you from obeying the Lord and why?

Read Joshua 1:1-9.

How often do you read the Bible?

Never

Rarely

A few times a month

A few times a week

Every day

What keeps you from reading the Bible more often?

What changes could you make in 2023 to prioritize Bible reading?

Read Matthew 6:6.

How often do you have set-apart prayer time?

Never

Rarely

A few times a month

A few times a week

Every day

What keeps you from spending more time in dedicated prayer?

What changes could you make in 2023 to prioritize dedicated prayer?

Read Hebrews 10:24-25.

How often do you attend Grace Point Church services in person?

Never

Once a month or less

Around two or three times a month

Every week

Twice a week or more

What keeps you from attending more faithfully?

What changes could you make in 2023 to prioritize church attendance?

 Read Malachi 3:8-12.

What percentage of your income do you give to the local church?

If you give 10%, how have you seen God provide for you as you have done so?

If you do not give 10%, what keeps you from doing so?

What changes can you make in 2023 to honor the Lord more faithfully through financial generosity and stewardship?

Read Ephesians 4:32.

Is there anyone you need to forgive?

If so, what is keeping you from entrusting God with the wrong he or she did to you?

Is there anyone to whom you need to apologize & seek restitution?

If so, what is keeping you from doing so?

Read Acts 1:8.

How often do you share the gospel with those who are not saved?

Never or rarely

1-4 times a year

5-10 times a year

Around once a month

Multiple times a month

Multiple times a week

What keeps you from sharing the gospel more often?

Who do you know that needs to hear the gospel?

Are you willing to go on a mission trip in 2023?

If yes, how can you start preparing for a mission trip?

If no, what would keep you from going?

If you are unable to go on a mission trip, how are you willing to support someone who can go?

 Read Romans 8:29.

In what ways would you like to become more like Christ in 2023?

How can you cooperate with the Holy Spirit in doing?

As you use this spiritual health assessment and growth exercise, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me using the contact form below.