Checkup

Read:

Proverbs 4:23-27, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil."

Think:

Your heart beats about 100,000 times a day. If you are over 40, your heart has beat over 1.5 billion times during your lifetime. It is too late to work out if your heart stops beating. It’s too late to start that diet you’ve been meaning to try if you’ve taken your last breath.

Proverbs 4 teaches us the wisdom of managing our "spiritual heart” – the seat of our thoughts, affections, emotions, and choices. It’s time to do a spiritual checkup. Do you need to lose weight from unnecessary burdens? Are you living in the rhythm of gratitude? Is your anxiety too high? Do you need to adjust your daily diet of Scripture?

Check your mouth. What is flowing out? Inspect your eyes. Are you focused on the direction he is leading? Scan your feet. Are you walking towards truth? Regular checkups will keep us on the path toward spiritual longevity.

Apply:

Today do a spiritual checkup. Review the questions above and identify one adjustment you can make to build your spiritual health.

Pray:

God, I confess that I have sinned and need a new heart. Help me lead a life that honors you. Amen.