Examining our Faith: Wise or Foolish Virgin?

Scripture calls for self-examination and the testing of our faith in God.  Critical questions for “Christians” to answer are: “Do I actually KNOW God, or do I simply know about God and am I a carnal Christian or Spiritual Christian?”  There are multiple verses that speak to this (Jn 5:20, 10:14, 14:23, 17:3, 1 Cor 3:1-3, 8:3, Eph 1:17, 1 Jn 2:3-6, 3:6, Tit 1:16)

Jesus repeatedly warned that a day would come when many who called themselves “believers” will stand before Him at the Judgment and find out that they never really knew Him, because He never knew them, and they won’t be allowed into heaven.

Just because a person or pastor is "religious" or because they know the Bible and talk about God and Jesus, that does not mean that they know Him.  Many study Him as a subject, but sadly never come to know Him as a person.

So, let us examine our faith by taking this quick survey.  During my own transition from knowing about God, to knowing Him, I made a list of areas that drastically changed in my walk.  I then confirmed that these areas are common to other born-again and spiritually mature disciples. 

Consider how Jesus might say you should answer.  The point is not to beat yourself up or to make you feel inadequate in your faith.  The point is to identify where you are, so you can get to where you are going. Then, you can re-evaluate at quarterly intervals, and seeing your progress will be such a blessing to you and to God.

Choose and write down the best response

(1 = Strongly Disagree, 5 = Strongly Agree)

 

1. I spend most of my discretionary time thinking about God, more than I do any other subject.

                1          2          3          4          5

2. I am drawn to the Psalms, and I really enjoy them.

                1          2          3          4          5

3. I have been avoided, ridiculed, or even rejected because of my faith in God.

               1          2          3          4          5

4. I feel a strong sense of affection for God.

                1          2          3          4          5

5. I pray for my enemies and want good for them.

            1          2          3          4          5

6. When trouble strikes, I run to God first.

          1          2          3          4          5

7. Most days, I talk to God throughout my day.

            1          2          3          4          5

8. I know how to hear God, and I obey Him even when it conflicts with human reasoning.

           1          2          3          4          5

9. I have a burning desire for others to know Him and I have the courage to share and defend my faith in Him.

            1          2          3          4          5

10. I am afraid of offending and hurting God with my sin and it is very painful when I do.

            1          2          3          4          5

11. I feel a strong sense of defensiveness or indignation when people ignore, reject, or deny God.

            1          2          3          4          5

12. My checkbook and/or calendar reflect regular and sacrificial contributions for Kingdom purposes.

           1          2          3          4          5

What Does Your Score Suggest?

12-24 – You are aware of God, but don’t yet know Him.

25-36 - You are moving towards knowing Him.

37-48 - You are maturing in relationship with Him

49-60 - You are walking in close intimacy with Him.

Do You Really KNOW God?

10 Questions to help you determine if you really KNOW God, or if you just know about Him.

  • 10 Questions to Examine the Quality of Your Faith in God

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  • 01 - Do Your Thoughts Determine if You Know God?

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  • 02 - Do You Feel This Way About The Book of Psalms?

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  • 03 - Is Your Faith Irritating Others or Just Your Behavior?

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  • 04 - Do You Have An Interest In God or Affection For God?

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  • 05 - How Are You Handling Difficult People in Your Life?

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  • 06 - Who Do You Run To First When It Hurts, God or Man?

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  • 07 - How Much Time Do You Spend in Prayer to the Lord?

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  • 08 - Are You More Obedient to God or to Those You Love?

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  • 09 - Do You Count All Things in This Life as Rubbish?

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  • 10 - Are You Compelled to Share Jesus With Others?

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