Taking Stock, a spiritual Inventory
Good morning, brethren. As today marks the last Sunday of 2025, I would like to reflect on a topic titled “Taking Stock, a spiritual Inventory.” Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly calls His people to moments of remembrance, examination, and realignment. Taking stock of our lives, therefore, should not be an exercise in regret, but a spiritual discipline—one that positions us for growth, repentance, gratitude, and renewed direction. Lamentations 3:40 exhorts us: “Let us search and examine our ways, and turn back to the LORD.” Just as businesses conduct inventory to determine what is profitable, what is wasteful, and what must change, believers are called to take spiritual inventory so they may walk wisely into the future. God values reflection because it produces wisdom and transformation.
Psalm 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Numbering our days means recognising that time is precious and accountable. The close of a year reminds us that seasons change—and we must not waste them. Allow me to signpost some key areas where we can take spiritual inventory. First, consider your relationship with God—your Christian walk. In 2025, did you grow spiritually? Was your prayer life deep or weak? Was your obedience partial or complete? The Apostle Paul challenges us in 2 Corinthians 13:5: “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” King David understood this well when he prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties” (Psalm 139:23–24). Next, reflect on your character—who you became in 2025. Did love grow, or did bitterness take root? Were you marked by pride or humility, fear or faith? Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” The Apostle Paul modeled intentional discipline when he said, “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection” (1 Corinthians 9:27), not to boast, but to remain spiritually focused and faithful. Another vital area is your use of time and opportunities. Time is a gift from God, and we will all give account for how we use it. What occupied most of your time in 2025? What distracted you from God’s purpose? What opportunities did you miss? Ephesians 5:15–16 urges us: “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time.” Also take inventory of your relationships with family and others. Are there unresolved conflicts? Have you fully forgiven? Have you invested in Godly relationships?
Romans 12:18 instructs us, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” We see a powerful example in the Prodigal Son, who experienced a turning point when “he came to himself” (Luke 15:17). That moment of honest self-examination led to repentance, restoration, and celebration. After taking inventory, remember to appreciate and celebrate your growth, victories, and God’s faithfulness. Scripture reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything give thanks.” If there are areas that require repentance, do so humbly, knowing that “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us” (1 John 1:9). Then realign yourself with God’s purpose, trusting His promise in Isaiah 43:18–19. Ultimately, taking stock is about entering the future prepared. Proverbs 22:3 says, “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” In conclusion, invite the Holy Spirit to help you conduct an honest and meaningful inventory of your life. As Proverbs 16:3 assures us, “Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established.” Trust God that this season of reflection will lead to renewal, clarity, and a stronger walk with Him in the new year ahead. Service is for 10.30am and workers meeting is for 10am. God’s blessings - Mike