Doctors do it.
Nurses, too. They check our vital signs to ensure we’re healthy and strong.
In addition, anyone who takes a first aid course will learn to recognize the signs of life, so that we can focus on giving the help others need.
How do we check our vital signs in Christ?
Luke 9:23-24 gives us a list to check off so that we can ensure we are fit in our Lord.
“And [Jesus] said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.’ ”
Let’s pull out our clipboard, follow the words of Jesus, and begin checking off our spiritual vital signs. Let’s see if we’re alive in Christ.
Spiritual Vital Sign No. 1:
If any man would come after me...
It’s all about choice. Do we choose to follow the teachings of Jesus? Do we want our lives to reflect his nature? We can’t be dragged kicking and screaming into the Kingdom. We must desire to be part of God’s grand plan.
Spiritual Vital Sign No. 2:
Let him deny himself...
This isn’t asceticism. We aren’t being asked to live in poverty, giving away every dollar. What we’re to deny is our will to do things our way, and rather, depend totally on Christ.
Spiritual Vital Sign No. 3:
And take up his cross daily...
The renewing of our faith must be an ongoing effort. Make a list of what Christ has done for us. Read it, share it, and keep it forefront in our thoughts. It’s easy to become distracted by the trials of daily living. Our eyes must be on him.
Spiritual Vital Sign No. 4:
And follow me...
Are we willing? Casting aside all that encumbers, is Christ our goal? He can be followed only by the believer who looks to the cross and finds understanding in the death of our Lord on that tree. If our behavior doesn’t change when we come to him, then we are spiritually sick and not fully alive in the wellness of Christ.
If we don’t know Christ, it’s time for a spiritual 9-1-1 call. We can find our life in him today.
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Code: FGO.J.18.16b.vp.esv