The purpose of these questions is to give you a chance to look over some major areas of your life and see how you are progressing as a Christian. The questions are based on Colossians 3:5-25. Prayerfully read the passage now.
Please answer the questions as things are, not as they ought to be.
Multiple choice guide:
1 = this is seldom a problem
2 = this comes up fairly frequently
3 = this is quite a regular pattern with me
PURITY and THOUGHT LIFE “Put to death .. .immorality, impurity, lust…”
1. Do I find myself thinking lustful thoughts toward the opposite sex? 1 2 3
2. Do the things that I see on TV and at the movies, or read in magazines and newspapers agree with what the Bible teaches about the purity of sex? 1 2 3
3. Are you now involved in any impure sexual practices or habits? 1 2 3
DESIRES and GOALS “Put to death … evil desires, greed, idolatry … “
4. Do I find myself wishing that I had another person’s money, status, friends, etc.? 1 2 3
5. In my quiet, inactive moments, what interests, things, or people most occupy my thoughts?
6. Write out the three things that are most important to you right now.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS “Rid yourselves of … anger, rage, malice … “
“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience … “
7. Do I tend to “blow my stack” at others? 1 2 3
8. Am I now holding a grudge or grievance against anyone and withholding forgiveness? 1 2 3
9. Think. Do I have any wrong attitudes toward my parents, brothers or sisters, friends, people at work or at the church? Name the ones you have a hard time loving.
10. Think of the person you like the least. What specific kind act could you do for him or her?
11. Read verse 11. Is there any group in the church that you avoid and don’t talk with much? Perhaps some one older or different from you?
USE OF THE TONGUE “Rid yourselves of … slander, filthy language … do not lie … “
12. Do I enjoy telling stories (gossip) about other people? 1 2 3
13. In conversation, do I use bad language or take God’s name in vain? 1 2 3
14. Do I exaggerate the truth? Do I ever twist the truth to keep myself out of trouble? 1 2 3
PRIVATE DEVOTION and PUBLIC WORSHIP Read verse 16
15. Where are you now in your daily reading in the Word of God?
16. Do I sing and participate in church services in a way that pleases and glorifies God? 1 2 3
17. In the public meetings (including church, Sunday School, etc.), am I concerned about sharing with others to help them in their lives as Christians? 1 2 3
FAMILY Read verse 20
18. (Husbands) Have I been harsh with my wife recently? 1 2 3 (Fathers) Have I embittered or discouraged my children? 1 2 3 (Children) Is there some area of my life where I am unwilling to respect my parents? 1 2 3
WORK Read verses 22-24
19. Am I “two-faced” with my employers … acting one way when they are present and another way when they aren’t? 1 2 3
20. Do I honestly work as if working for the Lord? 1 2 3
REFLECTION and PRAYER
Take an overall look at yourself: What areas did you score the worst and/or need the most help?
Take a long look at the Lord Jesus: Reflect on how he lived out each of qualities mentioned in verses 12 and 13.
Spend a few moments in prayer: Talk to the Lord about your sins, worship him for his righteousness, and ask him for a new filling of the Spirit to enable you to “put on the new self which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”