Spiritual Wellness

Annual medical appointments can be unpleasant. For a thorough examination, you must reveal personal things about yourself—your habits and routines, your overall lifestyle, the things you should be doing but do not, and vice versa. Then you are evaluated and given results from doctors trained to deliver bad news, no matter how difficult it may be to hear.

It is uncomfortable to bare all and be informed of areas in your health where you are falling short. As hard as this may be, however, the philosophy behind such visits is simple: By being proactive and submitting to a comprehensive medical exam, you can potentially catch and treat health problems before they become serious. You subject yourself to scrutiny because you know it is necessary. The alternative is only to act once a severe health problem manifests itself—by then, it may be too late.

Yearly medical checkups can be seen as a parallel to the annual examination required for our spiritual health. Each year before Passover, Christians are instructed to “let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup” (I Cor. 11:28).

A spiritual examination can also be unnerving. Our conduct and its fruits are exposed, and we may not be happy with what we learn. Yet we know this spiritual assessment is necessary. Considering all that is on the line—with every one of us due to stand before the judgment seat of Christ (II Cor. 5:10)—ignorance is not bliss.

In this Laodicean age, human nature would have us think “we are doing just fine, thank you,” and that spiritual examination is unnecessary. Yet God says, “let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (I Cor. 10:12). He commands us to do a spiritual examination every year because He knows there is a connection between this and preventing fatal spiritual illness.

Notice, too, that we are to examine ourselves. This runs counter to the practice of relying on doctors to assess our health. Under God’s form of examination, we must take an active role in diagnosing and treating our spiritual ailments. We must be willing to be brutally honest with ourselves and acknowledge poor results.

Self-examination is vital to determining the state of our spiritual health and fixing any problems we encounter.

Deadly Disorders

To properly self-examine, we cannot ignore the greatest threats to our spiritual wellness.

One such threat is Satan, whose name means opponent in Hebrew and accuser in Greek. There is no mistaking what he wants to do to us.

During His final Passover meal, Jesus first explained to His disciples how having an attitude of service would help secure their roles in God’s Kingdom (Luke 22:25-30). Take time to study these verses. Christ then told Simon Peter how Satan viewed him and all others of God’s people: “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat” (vs. 31).

The word “desire” does not suggest a compassionate yearning as it did earlier in the chapter when Christ told His disciples that “with desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you” (vs. 15). Instead, “desired” in verse 31 means demanded.

Understand. The god of this world (II Cor. 4:4) is not tenderly longing to overcome God’s people—he is forcefully demanding our eternal lives and wants nothing more than to kill us physically and spiritually!

Satan tries to do this by tempting us to sin—transgressing God’s Law (I John 3:4). This is another major threat to our spiritual health. Failure to overcome sin leads to physical and spiritual death for ourselves and others (Rom. 6:23).

Recall the story of Cain. After his sacrifice to God was not accepted, he became filled with anger and resentment (Gen. 4:5). God mercifully told him: “If you do well, shall you not be accepted? And if you do not well, sin lies at the door. And unto you shall be his desire, and you shall rule over him” (vs. 7).

In other words, God told him, “Cain, your offering was not accepted. Instead of sulking about it, do better next time. Failing to get over this will only lead to more sin. However, if you make the right decision, you can overcome and ultimately control sin.”

Cain did not get over it. Instead, he allowed bitter feelings to boil over and lead him to murder his brother. He missed his opportunity to “rule over” sin. Instead of him overpowering it, sin overpowered him. The same thing can happen to us.

Our struggles with Satan and sin are life-threatening. Winning the battle against both comes down to the choices we make.

Cain was given a choice. He was told “sin lies at the door” and told he could subdue it. But he chose not to. The word “lies” can mean to crouch, as a predatorial animal (such as a lion or a wolf) does before attacking prey.

Another comparison should come to mind: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Pet. 5:8). As with sin, Satan is likened to a beast—in this case, a vicious lion on the prowl.

How is this related to us having a choice regarding Satan? Peter tells us that the devil seeks “whom he may devour.” This means we can escape his clutches.

Recognize that succumbing to Satan or sin is not a foregone conclusion. As in the case of Cain, defeat is not inevitable.

Similar to overcoming physical ailments, victory comes down to taking certain steps. Though there will be missteps, diligent self-examination and a willingness to change will help us overcome these spiritual threats more times than not.

Pre-existing Conditions

Physical exams are done methodically. A doctor checks all critical elements of a person’s health. First, they review the patient’s answers to questions about their age, medical history and lifestyle. Why? Because it provides a lens through which they can evaluate and treat that specific patient. A spiritual exam can be conducted similarly.

In our spiritual assessment, we must consider the factors that make us unique or different from our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. We are all at different stages of growth and have our own weaknesses. We cannot base our spiritual evaluation on our perceptions of others. Each of us will stand alone before the judgment seat of Christ. Every tub must sit on its own bottom—read Galatians 6:4.

Be realistic with your examination. A person baptized a year ago must assess himself differently than someone baptized 15 years ago and that person different from someone baptized 50 years ago.

The ministry has seen time and again those relatively new to God’s Way try to hold themselves to the standard of someone who has been in the Church for decades. This is not a fair comparison. Be careful of expecting more from yourself than God does. Christianity is a marathon—not a sprint.

Be warned, however. We must not forget that “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jer. 17:9). If we see an easy opportunity to give ourselves a way out, our human nature will take it.

Do not let yourself off the hook or be afraid to tell yourself bad news. If you are falling short in your growth, admit it. Whether young in the faith or a veteran, base your assessment on where you are on the path to salvation. Each of us will be held accountable for what we know.

For an accurate assessment of our progress, self-examination must focus on our specific weaknesses more than areas in which we do not struggle. While our strengths can provide encouragement, we cannot concentrate on them and ignore character flaws.

Going back to the health example, a person can have the heart of a world-class athlete, but it means little if his liver is diseased and on the verge of failure. While we want to judge ourselves on all elements of Christianity, fixing our weaknesses is most important.

An honest inspection of our spiritual state can be telling. It may reveal that we should be much further along in our growth than we are. If you find you are dealing with the same spiritual challenges year after year, it is a sign of a much deeper issue.

This is when much more intense introspection is necessary.

External Health

After an initial evaluation, a medical doctor typically focuses on specific elements of a patient’s health. Much can be ascertained just through dialogue between the doctor and patient, along with observation.

During this initial exchange, a doctor can assess memory and mental quickness. Also, things like the appearance of a patient’s skin and fingernails, how easily he stands and walks and his reflexes after a tap on the knee all provide insight into his state of health.

Likewise, a Christian’s appearance and conduct are windows into his spiritual health.

How are your dress and grooming? Are your garments neat and clean, representing the best you can afford? Are your hair, fingernails and overall hygiene maintained?

While these may seem minor, you impact more people through your appearance than your words. Remember that you represent Jesus Christ (II Cor. 5:20).

Many in the world have fallen into the trend of looking unkempt and disheveled or wearing suggestive or gaudy clothing. We, however, must stand out from the world (II Cor. 6:17) by maintaining a good appearance and wearing clothing befitting Christians.

Beyond appearance, how do we carry ourselves? Do we have a pleasant, inviting demeanor—or do we scowl and glare at others? Are we usually upbeat and cheerful—or do we find we are often gloomy and downtrodden?

Some people are surprised to learn that they furrow their brows or frown by default, even when nothing is wrong. Ask your spouse or a trusted friend if they have noticed any quirks you have, and then work to change them! This will help ensure you always project the right impression to others and set a positive example.

In a world filled with sorrow and pain, Christians possess the best news of all—the gospel of God’s coming Kingdom. This should bring us joy—a fruit of God’s Spirit (Gal. 5:22).

Smiling and looking others in the eyes when interacting are just two simple ways to display joy and show a warm, welcoming disposition. (The Pillar article “Sabbath Fellowship: More than Conversation” offers practical tips on how to display the joy of God not only on the Sabbath but every day.)

What about our words? Christ said that “every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matt. 12:36). We must be careful with how we communicate.

This can be difficult given that the tongue is “an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (Jms. 3:8). If you battle to control your words, remember the principle of being “swift to hear, slow to speak” (1:19), knowing that he who “keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles” (Prov. 21:23). Also consider: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof” (18:21).

Other elements of conduct include the types of entertainment we consume (Psa. 101:3), the kinds of foods we eat (Lev. 11), how we treat our spouses, children and friends (John 13:34; Rom. 12:10), and much more.

However, a list of Christian conduct would not be complete without emphasizing the importance of serving others. Jesus Christ measured how we serve Him by how we serve others, condemning those who choose not to serve to “everlasting fire” (Matt. 25:35-41).

Will we believe God? If we are not serving others as we should, let these verses and others motivate us.

Vital Signs

There are some physical health issues a simple conversation or review of external body parts cannot discern. For a more accurate picture, a thorough medical checkup includes internal testing such as measuring blood sugar and cholesterol levels and checking vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate.

One of the first things a doctor does is take a patient’s temperature. Why? Because it is a key indicator of overall health.

A Christian’s spiritual temperature is also critical to God. If we allow ourselves to become lukewarm, we cannot remain in His Body (Rev. 3:16).

Being lukewarm involves not fully committing to God’s way of life. During self-examination, look for areas where you are not fully living up to His expectations. If you have secret sins in your life, try with all your might—and God’s help—to overcome them. Those who do not choose to remain on fire for the truth will find themselves on the outside of the Church looking in after being delivered “unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” (I Cor. 5:5).

Why not take the much easier route to the Kingdom by remaining unwavering in your commitment to God? (For more on overcoming sin, review the article “You Can Overcome and Prevent Sin”.)

Blood pressure is another key indicator of health. With each heart pump, blood puts a certain amount of pressure on our veins and arteries. If this pressure is too high or too low, serious problems can ensue.

In this analogy, high blood pressure can be likened to feelings of worry and anxiety, while low blood pressure can be compared to apathy or indifference.

We must not allow worry and the burdens of this life to wear us down. God tells us to cast our cares on Him since He cares for us (I Pet. 5:7). We are to take no anxious thought for our lives, including what we will eat or drink or the clothing we will wear (Matt. 6:25). Instead, we should seek first God’s Kingdom and righteousness, and these things will come to us (vs. 33).

If you tend to worry, this could be caused by a lack of faith. Come to grips with this and ask God to increase your faith. (Reviewing the booklet What Is Real Faith? may prove beneficial.)

On the other end of the spectrum is indifference. Paul tells us, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Phil. 2:4). We should also, “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep” (Rom. 12:15).

This takes empathy. Ask yourself: Do I show sincere care and concern for others? Do I go out of my way to “do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10)? If not, make a change and “let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5).

Related to blood pressure is heart health. The heart is a vital organ. Spiritually speaking, God tells us, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil” (Luke 6:45). In addition, we are told, “Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23).

Do you frequently battle a bad attitude? Are you impatient and unforgiving of others? Are you easily offended? Are you holding a grudge toward someone for a perceived wrong? These are all “heart issues” that, if unresolved, can lead to spiritual illness or even death.

A final major category is neurological health. It includes testing nerves, reflexes, balance and mental state. This cannot be ignored because “God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (II Tim. 1:7).

Having a sound mind is related to being disciplined. We must learn to control our emotions and maintain self-control—temperance—during difficult life circumstances. Our reactions are an indicator of our level of trust in God and His promises.

Related, we must avoid extremes and live balanced lives, letting our “moderation be known unto all men” (Phil. 4:5).

If you tend to panic during a crisis or fly off the handle when things do not go your way, be honest with yourself and ask God to help you change. Similarly, if you go from ditch to ditch in your life and your decision-making, come to grips with this and strive to be more balanced.

Proper Diagnosis

Perhaps we struggle with controlling our tongue or are not as patient as we should be. Maybe we drink too much alcohol. Other weaknesses can include not studying or praying consistently. We may have a problem with harboring bad attitudes or not fully submitting to authority. The list could go on.

A vital first step in fixing any persistent spiritual problem is to identify its root cause. Merely treating the symptoms will not do.

For instance, if you are constantly unable to get along with others, the real problem may be pride (Prov. 13:10). This self-focus could be stunting your ability to have good relationships. Vanity, lust, greed and jealousy are similar core issues that, like cancer, will spread if not treated.

Once identified, one approach to eradicating foundational problems is to study the scriptures intently. This is one reason God includes the shortcomings of otherwise faithful servants in the Bible. Their struggles with similar issues can serve as a form of encouragement for us.

Even if not tied to a specific Bible figure, the scriptures are replete with ways to overcome spiritual ailments. Take that problem of pride, for instance. The Bible reveals that the opposite of pride is humility (Prov. 16:19). Therefore, studying God’s mind on being humble (which itself is an act of humility) can be an antidote.

Scripture further reveals that humility is a choice (Luke 18:14). If we choose to humble ourselves, God promises that He “gives grace unto the humble” (Jms. 4:6). After taking the first step of humbling ourselves, the most powerful Being of all will intervene on our behalf and help us eliminate pride.

This is how diagnosing and overcoming the issue through God’s Word works.

Battling the same issues repeatedly also provides an opportunity for fervent prayer and even fasting to draw closer to God. By beseeching Him and denying ourselves food and water for a 24-hour period, we can more easily put our flesh under subjection.

Finally, you may also wish to counsel with your minister, who is trained and experienced to help you better understand why you are struggling with a persistent weakness.

Path to Better Health

None of us are perfect. No matter how long we have been converted, we all have areas of our lives that we need to improve.

The Passover season is the time to focus on this. It reminds us of the tremendous pain and suffering of Jesus and the sorrow endured by the Father, who witnessed Christ’s ordeal.

We are justified and reconciled to the Father by His Son’s blood and death and saved by His life (Rom. 5:9-10). Through the willing obedience of our Savior, we can have a relationship with the Father and receive the Holy Spirit after repentance and baptism (Acts 2:38). We cannot let this tremendous act of love be in vain.

This season is also a reminder of the commitment we made to living God’s Way.

Recall the four “yous” discussed during baptismal counseling. There is the you that you see, the you that others see, the you that God sees, and most important, the you that God sees you can become. This final “you” should be your goal.

While we cannot get there without God’s help, we must do our part. During this season, take a thorough and honest inventory of your spiritual state. Consider every major element in your life. Avoid the tendency to make excuses for yourself. If you are not where you know you should be, take steps to improve. Use the “Spiritual Assessment Form” as a guide.

Jesus Christ is the perfect example for us to compare our current spiritual state. Study the way He carried Himself and treated others. Review His teachings throughout the gospels. Watch how His followers conducted themselves.

While the Bible does not contain all knowledge, it does have all the knowledge required for us to achieve salvation. And it is readily available. Use it, alongside the Church’s literature and sermons, to identify problems and take action to improve your spiritual health.