TAKE INVENTORY OF YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE

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“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”—Philippians 1:6
 
One of the prophets used to foretell Jesus’ birth, the plan for His life and death was Isaiah. 
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His
shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6)  In chapter 53 verses 2-6, is a detailed account of how people would think about Him at His death and what it would accomplish…“ He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
and by His stripes we are healed…” (vs. 5).
 
Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, but was born the same way as any other human infant—through his mother’s womb (Luke 1:31).  When the angel announced the Messiah’s coming birth to Mary, he declared that Jesus would reign as King forever (Luke 1:33). He grew up in a home without special position or privileges.  It is probable that he learned the carpentry trade from His earthly father, Joseph, and used it to support Himself during His younger years.
 
His public ministry began with the selection of ordinary men to be His disciples, including one, Matthew, the tax collector, who was despised.  Jesus traveled from town to town, interacting with people, many of whom doubted and disbelieved Him.  His teachings were regularly misunderstood and often opposed.  At times even His followers turned away when they heard something that they did not like.  After traveling from city-to-city saying and demonstrating what His heavenly Father was like, Jesus was labeled a criminal, crucified between two thieves, and buried in someone else’s tomb.
 
Looking at the natural, most people who would summarize Jesus’ life would say that He had a good start in life, but His ending was terrible.  Especially for someone who was to rule the world as Lord. 
 It is Jesus’ “spiritual summary” that gives us the true picture.  His humility, self-sacrifice, total dependence upon God, and completes obedience—even unto death—are the marks of greatness in God’s sight.  Having fulfilled His Father’s plan, the Son was given the name to which all will one day, bow.  “Who being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.  Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee would bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:6-11).
 
Today consider how your life would be “spiritually summed” up.   Are you walking in humility?  Have you sacrificed “self” on the altar of His Mercy and Grace?  Are you totally dependent upon God?  Are you walking in obedience to His will for you?  Allow the Holy Spirit to make any needed adjustments so that you can finish your course well.
 
Prayer—Father I ask for the Holy Spirit to bring to my mind any needed adjustments in my life, and with Your help I know that I can finish my race and receive the victor’s crown, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.