When you visit a doctor, they will first check your vitals: body temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate. These basic measurements provide an objective snapshot of your physical health. They’re a critical starting point, often revealing underlying issues and guiding the next steps for diagnosis or treatment.
I've found this concept helpful for supporting believers who are struggling spiritually. Life is complex, and so are its challenges, but I’ve learned to start by checking three spiritual vitals. These often point to the root issues that need attention.
Vital One: Are you in God's Word?
Do you have a regular habit of reading Scripture? Are you immersing yourself in God’s truth? I’ve never met a thriving believer who is not consistently spending time in God’s Word. On the flip side, spiritual struggles often begin when this habit is neglected.
The good news is that this is a deficiency you can address. It won’t be effortless, but it’s achievable. Begin with small steps: choose a reading plan, get a good study Bible, read one chapter daily, or listen to an audio Bible while commuting. Don’t aim for spiritual highs in your Bible reading; aim to be shaped by Scripture. Over time, this habit will nourish your soul and strengthen your faith.
Vital Two: Are you praying?
By prayer, I mean both planned and spontaneous moments of connection with God. Do you regularly bring your life to him, sharing your plans, seeking his glory, and expressing your worries? Or are you trying to carry life’s burdens on your own? Prayer doesn’t have to be perfect or eloquent; it just needs to be honest. When we neglect prayer, we cut ourselves off from the strength and grace we need. A thriving prayer life isn’t about quantity but about cultivating a heart that depends on God throughout the day.
Vital Three: Are you engaged in a local church?
Are you regularly attending worship services, hearing God’s Word preached, and participating in the Lord’s Supper? Are you known by others—not just superficially, but deeply, including your struggles? Are you practicing the “one another” commands of Scripture—encouraging, serving, and loving others in community?
The Christian life isn’t meant to be lived in isolation. When we pull away from the church, we inevitably struggle. God designed us to grow and thrive in the context of His people.
I’m not suggesting that doing these three things will make life easy or guarantee spiritual flourishing. But they are foundational. If one of these areas is neglected, it's likely your spiritual life will feel out of balance. Checking these vitals is essential because they directly impact your overall spiritual health.
How are you doing in these three areas? Which one needs attention in your life? The Christian life is more than just these three practices, but they form the bedrock for everything else. Before trying other solutions, start here. Build your life on these foundations, and let God work through them to strengthen and sustain you.
