In my last post, I gave a brief review of Celebration of Discipline, a book I’ve read several times. For me, Celebration falls into a category I call “books for life” — books that can be read and re-read, and that give new insights with each new reading. Here is another book that I believe will benefit anyone who is interested in deepening their spiritual awareness.
10 Questions to Diagnose your Spiritual Health
At first glance, this title seems kind of strange. It seems strange that one would talk about spiritual health as if it can be diagnosed so easily, the way a doctor might diagnose an infection or a cold. It might seem somewhat judgmental — here’s a man that thinks he can size you up, see if you’re up to par.
However, from the first pages, Dr. Whitley establishes that his goal is to humbly help believers see the things that Scripture says every believer ought to experience. His words never give the impression that he is looking down on those who have not or are not experiencing the various things he talks about — rather, he continually counsels the reader to seek the Lord and pray for these things, so that they too might experience them.
Here are the questions:
- Do you thirst for God?
- Are you governed increasingly by God’s word?
- Are you more loving?
- Are you sensitive to God’s presence?
- Do you have a growing concern for the spiritual and temporal needs of others?
- Do you delight in the bride of Christ?
- Are the spiritual disciplines increasingly important to you?
- Do you still grieve over sin?
- Are you a quicker forgiver?
- Do you yearn for heaven and to be with Jesus?
From the introduction:
So whatever the present state of your spiritual health or the rate of your spiritual growth, let’s begin by “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2), and “press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). May the Lord be pleased to use this little volume to help you “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).
There is a recognition throughout the book that, while we may read endless books and try with all our might, it is God that brings lasting change. Yet Dr. Whitley clearly communicates his desire, that the Lord would work through his words to change the reader and bring his life closer in line with that of Jesus.
I highly recommend this book for small group discussions or personal study. It is small and easy to digest, but it is full of wisdom and encouragement for those who wish to go deeper in their walk with God.