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Spiritual Reflection

Pastor Samuel shares with us the importance of taking time for regular spiritual health checks.  

I went for my first health check when I was about 27 years old. I was young and lived a reasonably healthy lifestyle, and so didn’t think there was anything wrong with me. In fact, the only reason I even went for the check-up was that it was paid for by the company. So imagine my surprise when the results came out! Both my cholesterol and blood pressure were above average. While it wasn’t serious, the doctor advised me to start taking steps to address the problem before it resulted in more serious, long-term consequences.  

Similarly, the Bible calls us to take regular spiritual health checks. 2 Cor 13:5 says to “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith”, while the Psalmist in Psalm 119:59-60 says, “I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes”.  

To examine ourselves and consider our ways means to reflect on our spiritual health, bringing ourselves to the mirror of God’s word and be honest with ourselves in how we are growing in the gospel, and what are the areas of sin that God may be calling us to repent of in our lives. Like physical health checks, spiritual health checks are very important as they are opportunities for us to be encouraged by signs of healthy growth, and to identify and address problems and idols.  

As we take time to examine ourselves, we must remember that spiritual growth and change can only come from the gospel. Here are four important things for us to remember:  

1. While it’s important to examine ourselves, we must spend far more time looking to Christ.  

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Cor 3:18)

2. As we look to Christ, we examine ourselves empowered by God who sees everything. 

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.” (Ps 139:1-3)

3. As we look to Christ, we examine ourselves with honesty, humility, and security in our status before God.  

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (1 Jn 1:9-10)

4. As we look to Christ, we examine ourselves with confidence in what God is working in our lives.  

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil 1:6)

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This Sunday after service, there will be an English Congregational Meeting to re-elect Ps Ian as Lead Pastor of the English Congregation. Do take time to appoint a proxy if you will be unable to attend the meeting.