Daily Self – Inventory
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:10
Do you think it is helpful to take an inventory at day’s end to analyze our interactions with people, as well as our responses to stressful circumstances? How important is daily inventory for spiritual growth to see ourselves more objectively?
A daily inventory can be a quiet time with the Lord when we ask the Spirit to reveal those things which help us to be more Christ-like. If we are striving to be more Christ-like, then a daily inventory will be helpful for us. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18) The Christian life is one of continual growth on the road to becoming more Christ-like, and a daily inventory can greatly help in this process.
Below are a few questions which might help to guide our daily inventory.
- Did I show kindness and self-control? Did I, at any time, lose self-control?
- Was I patient today? Did I reveal anger due to a lack of patience?
- Did I treat others with kindness through unconditional love?
- Did I exhibit an attitude of peace, joy, and encouragement to others?
- Was I faithful to others proving my trustworthiness?
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) An easy way to start your daily inventory is to compare your day with the fruit of the Spirit. If we are honest with ourselves then we can recognize when our behavior deviates from the fruit of the Spirit.
During the inventory, write down areas where you can be more Christ-like. And at the end of the inventory, pray for God’s divine power to help. The Lord is molding you to the mind and heart of Christ, and if you are striving to be Christ-like, then you are guaranteed to find a daily inventory helpful.
Today, make a conscious effort to be more Christ-like and to walk confidently and securely in Christ. Try to view everyone through the eyes and heart of Jesus and to see them in terms of their eternal lives. Your ability to reflect Christ to others, as guided by the Spirit, may be a critical moment in the direction of their lives.
Let’s Pray: Lord, help me to be more Christ-like and use my daily inventory to help me identify the areas in my life where I need to spiritually grow. Lord, motivate me to become more Christ-like. Thank you for your love and for molding me to the mind of your Son. In Jesus’ name, Amen.