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there are times i’m really interested in statistical analysis and there are other times i think it’s all a bunch of numbers used to justify what the analyzers want you to believe. who are they really interviewing? just how random is the sampling? just questions i have…
the barna group is the most trusted research organization among christians today. i have no reason not to believe what they say. in their most recent study, they did a study of how people’s views have changed regarding their personal american dream. it’s pretty interesting. you ought to give it a look. one thing caught my eye and made me think about what we do and don’t do at north point.
the study revealed there were six specific conditions that at least three-quarters of all adults identified as being very important elements in their ideal life. number five was “having a close relationship with god” (75% of adults consider this an extremely important element of their ideal life). here’s what i’m thinking…
if this is true, what are we doing about it? we can say something is important to us, but until we are willing to actually do something about it, it’s nothing more than a sentimental feeling. being a disciple is different than saying we’re a disciple. here’s a small checklist to gauge our spiritual growth temperature:
are you reading your bible?
are you reading books related to spiritual growth?
do you have regular conversations about your spiritual journey?
do you give some other people permission to hold you accountable for your spiritual growth?
do you worship…really worship…regularly?
do you share your finances with the church family? with the poor?
do you have a ministry?
are you seeing positive, christlike changes in your character?
do you tell other people of your love for jesus?
is there joy…deep, confident assurance of the love of god…in your life?
are you including more and more people into your life?
is prayer more than asking for things?
are you facing difficulties with the awareness and confidence that god is in control?
do you think, often, about what jesus would do in the same situations you find yourself in?
are you overcoming your sins?
are you experiencing deeper levels of self-control?
do you really enjoy the fellowship of other believers?
these are just a few. do you have some others you would put on the list?
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