This lesson gives the second half of the list of our shortcomings (sins) that can prevent God from working effectively in our lives. Reading through it and searching your heart will help you get started on your inventory.
Your mind
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is –his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2
- How have you guarded your mind in the past? Denial?
- Have you filled your mind with hurtful and unhealthy movies, television programs, internet sites, magazines, or books?
- Have you failed to concentrate on the positive truths of the Bible?
Your body
Haven’t you yet learned that your body is the home of the Holy Spirit God gave you, and that he lives within you? Your own body does not belong to you. For God has bought you with a great price. So use every part of your body to give glory back to God, because he owns it. – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
- In what ways in the past have you mistreated your body?
- Have you abused alcohol and drugs? Food? Sex?
- What past activities or habits caused harm to your physical health?
Your family
But if you are unwilling to obey the Lord, then decide today whom you will obey… But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord. – Joshua 24:15, TLB
- In the past, have you mistreated anyone in your family?
- Who in your family do you have resentment against?
- Who do you owe an amends to?
- What is the family secret that you have been denying?
Your church
Let us not neglect our church meetings, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near. Hebrews 10:25, TLB
- Have you been faithful to your church in the past?
- Have you been critical rather than active?
- In the past have you discouraged your family’s support of their church?
As you continue your inventory, commit Psalm 139:23-24 to memory and use it as a prayer:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. – Psalm 139:23-24