Every place I've lived has a favorite greeting word or phrase. "Hello" or "good day" just doesn't work in New Jersey. "Shalom" is good in Israel and parts of New York City but we in 'Jersey have a question for you. It is "how are you doing?" often spoken in an East Coast Italian immigrant form.
I got to thinking about that greeting. What if God was doing the asking? I considered that He wants to know about more than my health or even my job and other activities. God is always interested in our hearts above our "to do" lists. While thinking of this I came upon Alan Nelson's Attitude Checks for Brokeness. He was discussing how God could best relate to us when like wild horses we are broken for service.
Take the test with me right now. 10 is very true, 5 is I hope so and 1 is "you kidding me?!"
Am I willing to let go of my dreams and ambitions if such is God's will? Some act as though any legally obtainable thing they desire must be theirs. Perhaps it would upset you terribly if God intimated that His will for your life was wisdom, health and˙. poverty!
Am I defensive when accused, criticized or misunderstood? Silence in the face of these three often feels like weakness. They make momentary atheists out of us and we speak as though we have no Heavenly Father to defend our reputation
Am I coveting (desiring) what others have instead of waiting for heaven's rewards? The certain but unknown date of your own death could cause you to press for that bigger house or expensive vacation with a "before its too late" attitude.
Am I forgiving when offended, with or without an apology? Most of us can see ourselves dispensing absolution to the teary, groveling friend or relative kneeling in repentance at our feet. God is looking for hearts that can forgive offenses even when the offender maintains stiff-necked pride. Justice will be done, yet we struggle to await His timing.
Am I complaining or arguing out of unsurrendered rights? The lawyers, media and the education community want me to know my rights. Selfishness cries out for even more of my dues. The spiritual heart knows that these so-called rights are only privileges.
Am I thinking of others first out of love? Someone taught Sunday school kids that joy is best understood as Jesus first, yourself last and others in between. The trouble is that when I think the first voice I hear in my head is my own. The challenge is to go beyond what my appetites, preferences and prejudices are yelling.
Am I proudly appearing that I am always right and know all the answers? This is one of life's most subtle insecurities. We believe that knowledge is power and strive to wield ours so us to intimidate and control those around us. It is the pride of what we know that hides our fears. Sometimes it is a smoke screen to hide our unwillingness to change.
Am I practicing the spiritual disciplines? Prayer, fasting, solitude, simplicity, generosity (without ostentation), these have no immediate reward. You have to grow spiritually before they appear valuable.
Am I being silent regarding self-promotion (letting God do my public relations)? I have a friend who in four years has never allowed a conversation to pass without a veiled reference to or even a bold proclamation of how others hold him in high esteem.
Am I expressing joy in the difficulties God sends to refine me? There's more on Nelson's list, but I'm sure you get the idea.
So..how you doi'n?