A ten year old boy walked into a drug store and asked the owner if he could use the phone. The owner gave him permission and couldn’t help but get curious as he overheard the boy’s part of the conversation.
“Dr. Smith, I’m looking for a job and was wondering if you would like to hire me to do your yard work. Oh, I see, you already have someone that is working for you. Well, is he doing a good job? Is there anything you aren’t pleased with? So you want to keep using him? Thank you doctor and have a good day.”
The owner of the drug store was impressed at the young boy’s initiative. As he hung up the phone and started to walk out of the store, the owner said, “Son, I need some help in the store. I will be glad to give you a job.” The boy replied, “No, thank you, I have a job.” Puzzled, the owner asked, “But I just heard you ask Dr. Smith for a job.” The boy nodded and said, “Yes sir, I work for Dr. Smith.” Even more puzzled, the owner asked, “Why would you call your employer and ask for a job you already have?” Smiling, the boy replied, “I was just checking up on myself to see how I was doing.”
Checking up on ourselves is a great way to make sure we are doing a good job and pleasing the one we work for. The bible even tells us to check up on ourselves as Christians. Paul and Timothy advised the Philippian church to continue to work out their salvation in fear and trembling (Phil.2:12). They weren’t advocating doubt and anxiety toward their salvation, but rather an active reverence and singleness of purpose in response to God’s grace. In other words, believers shouldn’t attempt to earn salvation by works but to grow and develop, to persevere and mature. Even writer of Hebrews tells us to consider ways to encourage and help one another in that process in expectation of Christ’s return (10:12).
A majority of people visit their doctor for a yearly checkup to make sure their body is in good condition by correcting any issues that would inhibit good health. In the same way, every believer should take the time for a spiritual checkup to correct any issues that would inhibit them from pleasing God. Unlike the physical exam done yearly, the spiritual checkup should be done daily so that necessary changes can be made to make you happier and your church stronger.
I hope you will take advantage of the spiritual gifts test that is available in print and on our website. Knowing how God has gifted you and utilizing that gift in the church will produce the kind of spiritual health that will be pleasing to our Lord and Savior and bring blessing to your life and His church.
To His Glory,
Pastor Bill