I have to take my car up to the shop today for an inspection. I am not concerned about whether it will pass or not, I think everything is in order.
I like the fact that we have to have our cars checked once a year to make sure things are alright. How am I supposed to know if a light is out in the back of my vehicle unless someone tells me?
I want everything to be in good working order so other drivers will know where I am and what I am planning to do.
Our school system has invited OSHA in to inspect us. If you volunteer for an inspection you have the opportunity to get into compliance and avoid some of the fines.
As standards change it also gives us the opportunity to learn how to stay in compliance.
One of the things teachers have had to do is make sure we have MSDS sheets in our rooms for cleaning products. MSDS sheets explain the hazardous materials in products and how to provide medical treatment for exposure to those chemicals.
This kind of inspection should be helpful so we can keep both the students and the employees in our schools safe.
Last week, we did an inspection on our students to be sure they had learned what we taught them in our courses. We took exams. I was pleased with the progress of most of my students.
There are always a few who refuse to study or prepare for the exams and their scores show their lack of effort.
An inspection of the students’ progress and abilities through testing often reflects on their individual motivation and their personal preparation.
Like cars and schools, we hope students prepare and pass their inspections.
We ought to do an inspection on our spiritual houses. Every house needs a firm foundation, so does our spiritual home.
Have you built your foundation on Jesus Christ? The storms of life will affect all of us at times. If our foundation is not securely on Christ, then our spiritual homes might come crashing down.
Jesus and his saving grace should be the starting place of any spiritual journey that will end in eternity with God.
If your foundation is on Christ, then you need to look at your spiritual home and determine what materials you used to build upon the solid rock of Christ.
The three little pigs all built homes but they used different building materials. The big, bad wolf came and blew away the homes made out of straw and wood, but he could not destroy the house of brick.
I promise you that Satan will rise up against your house, and if it is made of wood and straw or laid on a foundation of sand, your house will fall.
Building your spiritual house takes time if you want to build it strong. The building materials include spending time in God’s word and in prayer.
Some people can read the Bible like reading the paper, an hour later they don’t remember a thing they read. To build a strong house we have to think about God’s word, meditate on it, and apply it to our lives. It’s the application that makes the strongest bricks.
Our home is located near some trees and I am amazed at how much they protect us from the blistering summer sun.
In the same way, we need to build our spiritual homes in the shadow of God’s wings.
We need to remember that God is our strong tower in times of trouble. We need to put our faith, hope, and trust in the Lord. When the enemy attacks we have to stand our ground and remember that the Lord will fight on our side.
Many people believe that we don’t have to fight, but David had to fight Goliath. When the walls of Jericho fell, the Israelites had to go in and take the city. God fights with us, but we have to do our part in the battle.
I want to encourage you to do a self-inspection of your spiritual home.
David cried out to God to inspect his heart to see if there was any wicked way in him. I know you want to walk in God’s ways just as I do.
We all make mistakes, but if we repent, God is quick to forgive and get us back on track.
Self-inspections will firm up weak areas and get us ready for when the enemy attacks.
God is for you, who can stand against you? Keep your heart and spiritual home a place where God loves to reside.
Doug Creamer teaches marketing at East Davidson High School. Read more of his work at dougcreamer.com Contact him at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041 or email doug@dougcreamer.com