I recently watched a new report on the best and worst states for quality of life based on a release by US News. Their quality of life index considered both Natural Environment (air quality, parks and recreation areas, etc.) and Social Environment (cost of living, health care, community support, and more). According to US News the state with the highest quality of life is North Dakota and the state with the lowest quality of life is California. You can see where your state falls HERE.
The more I thought about my quality of life in Alabama (#35 on their list) I began to wonder about my Spiritual Quality of Life (SQL).
How is my SQL? How is your SQL?
In order to evaluate my SQL, I read from the apostle Paul as he prays for the Spiritual Quality of Life for the Colossians. Then I asked myself few questions:
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:9-14)
SQL Questions:
- What is my level of spiritual knowledge?
- What is my level of spiritual wisdom? Am I applying that knowledge?
- How is my walk with God?
- Am I fruitful in good works?
- How well do I endure the trials of life with patience?
- Am I full of joy in Christ?
- How much (often) do I express gratitude for what God has done and is doing?
- Am I in the Kingdom of His Son – the church?
In Christ we have redemption and forgiveness. In Christ we begin and increase our Spiritual Quality of Life. Let’s get to work on improving our SQL.
-Scott
Driving Thought 