I work a part-time job in a local pharmacy and gift shoppe and there is something we do once a year that is tedious- yet very important. We take inventory of every item on our store shelves. We count every single item and itemize it. It is time consuming but an important part of “minding a store”. The store where I work is very conscientious about what lines its shelves and the condition of the products sold there. They work (I work) hard to be certain that nothing old, mangled or outdated is allowed to be displayed on our store’s shelves. We are constantly inspecting the products and seeing that everything that is available for sale is in its best condition. We desire to please our customers!
So it should be with our own heart. Do you even know what is in your own heart? You live within its walls. Do you recognize the old, outdated, messed up attitudes and thinking that is cluttering up your life and strangling your spiritual growth? When was the last time you “took the garbage out” or re-arranged the items that reflect in your spirit and attitude?
It’s very important that we take inventory of our own hearts from time to time.
Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Sometimes it can be disappointing and disheartening when we finally and honestly allow ourselves to look deep, to see what is resting in corners of our heart. In order to be truly right with God, we must examine our own heart on a regular basis. We were all born-- liars. We excuse our selves on too many levels, but when it comes to our own heart, it is extremely serious that we not lie about what we see in that seat of our soul.
No one “naturally” tells the truth. We can only “supernaturally” tell the truth!
Truly saved and regenerated Christians will read this inventory check list and embrace it. They will whole-heartedly agree with it and fervently desire to be what the scripture reveals that they should be. We will have the desire and appetite to please our Lord and Saviour!
Let me encourage you to begin this month, in taking honest inventory of the condition of your heart before a Holy and Righteous God. Will you take the challenge? Will you look up each verse and meditate on its truth? Will you honestly question your own self as you apply the Bible to your own heart?
Let’s begin:
Matthew 6:12-14 “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:”
Answer slowly and honestly…
~ Is there anyone against whom you hold a grudge?
~ Is there anyone you have not forgiven or feel justified in withholding forgiveness?
~ Anyone you hate?
~ Anyone you do not love with a pure heart?
~ Are there any misunderstandings that you are unwilling to forget or let go of? Have you made a genuine effort in resolving those misunderstandings?
~ Is there any person against whom you are harboring bitterness…resentment…or even jealousy? (You will know the truth when that person’s face or name comes to mind)
~ Is there anyone you dislike to hear praised or well spoken of? Are you happy in your heart for those who are praised and you join in, in the blessing of that one.
~ Do you allow anything to justify a wrong attitude toward another?
Take the time this month to deal truly with this list. Choose to be honest before your God. Each one of us will give an account of our own heart. Our willingness to take this spiritual inventory is reflective of the true condition of our heart and reveals our honesty.
Proverbs 12:22 “Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.”
For Jesus sake and for His Kingdom….take inventory…
5 comments:
Ah, I needed this! Have been thinking along these same lines and have started to streamline my life into a more effective use of the time God gives each of us. Thank you! Carol H.
Thank you so much for this article. It has blessed my heart, but at the same time made me come again to seek God for these things. I can become hardened to this very issue, especially with all the day to day things.
Hope tomorrow God's blessing will be upon you all on this special day. Give our love to the couple and wish them the best.
Camille
May your day be so blessed. This is a very sad but special day for you all. I know you will miss your daughter but what a blessing she is following God. Love you.
Camille
Thank you for the challenging questions. I didn't like them so much at first. As I've gone back over them through out the month the Lord has been able to deal with my heart and clean up some areas I just wanted to sweep under the rug. What a blessing to know that God is still working on me. I sure don't deserve it. I am so thankful. DC
I work with supplies and taking inventory of things do take time and skill. But my own heart inventory would definitely take honesty and humility before God. Thank you for sharing this...because this is a real important inventory to make. I can answer some quickly and honestly and the other list in the inventory need more inspection.
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