Monday, November 1, 2010

E-Outreach

Spiritual Maturity

"For you know when your faith is being tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." -James 1:3-4

I just recently finished a commentary on the book of James. It was an easy read and was very informative to me and a good buddy of mine. The main theme throughout the book was maturity. Whether it be in relationships, prayer, trials, or the general church itself, James is a great "how to" guide in becoming spiritually mature. Good thing I read it because I have a long way to go!!! Praise God for that!!! I want to keep this email short today and hit you guys with 12 questions that the author asks you in the last chapter... Try and take some time to really think about each one.

1) Am I becoming more and more patient in the testings of life?
2) Do I play with temptation or resist it from the start?
3) Do I find joy in obeying the Word of God, or do I merely study it and learn it?
4) Are there any prejudices that shackle me?
5) Am I able to control my tongue?
6) Am I a peacemaker rather than a troublemaker? Do people come to me for spiritual wisdom?
7) Am i a friend of God or a friend of the world?
8) Do I make plans without considering the will of God?
9) Am I selfish when it comes to money? Am I unfaithful in paying my bills?
10) Do I naturally depend on prayer when I find myself in some kind of trouble?
11) Am I the kind of person others seek for prayer support?
12) What is my attitude toward the wandering brother? Do I criticize and gossip, or do I seek to restore him in love?

Pretty strong questions, and some pretty strong No's getting checked on my end. Thanks for your time.


Be Blessed,

Blake Hawksworth