Are You Gaining Or Losing Spiritually?
One or the other of these may be happening to you even though you are regular in attendance at every service of the church. Often we wish to blame others for our condition when we are almost wholly responsible for our condition. Take a close look at yourself. What is your true condition?
1. Do you wish to be entertained in the assemblies or do you wish to be enlightened?
2. Do you look forward to the worship?
3. Do you find pleasure in the worship?
4. Do you profit from the worship?
5. Do you participate whole-heartedly in every act of worship?
6. Is your mind consciously directed toward God?
7. Do you want to be a part of things in the Lord's work — make some contribution?
8. Do you say "we" or "they" when speaking of the church?
9. Are you looking for something to do — making opportunities or are you waiting for an assignment?
10. Has your liberality increased or has it diminished in the last year or two?
11. Do you feel any concern for those who are drifting away?
12. Are you making a conscious effort to invest every talent in the Lord's work?
13. Do you try to encourage others as they seek to serve?
14. Do you attend meetings held in other communities?
15. Do you subscribe to and read any religious periodicals — are you building a religious library?
16. Is the church stronger for your having membership in it?
17. Do you let things keep you away from worship that do not keep you away from work or pleasure?
18. Are you concerned about your companion's and your children's growing stronger spiritually?
19. Do you find yourself making plans that will interfere with your spiritual service?
20. Do you ever read the Bible and pray at home?
21. Are your thoughts more of the material than the spiritual?
22. Do you allow your feelings about or attitude toward other members to keep you from serving God diligently?
23. Are you truly concerned about your spiritual image? What others will think of you? The kind of influence you wield?
Think seriously, friend, are you gaining or losing spiritually?
— 718 Lambuth Lane, Deer Park, Texas, 77536