Teeth Cleaning

Yesterday morning, I went for my sixth month dental appointment.  I sat there having religious discussions, giving marital advice, and talking about child rearing while my mouth was wide open and Tracy was scraping my teeth. 

I do not have a fear of dentist, nor do I have issues with someone working in my mouth.  I try to listen to the advice my dentist and hygienist give.  I remember one bit of advice the Dr. Buchanan, my child-hood dentist gave.  "Scott, you need to brush and floss the teeth you want to keep."  Do I need to mention that he was blunt if anything? 

Preventative dental care.  That is why I brush and floss regularly.  That is why I visit my dentist twice a year.  That is why I avoid habits that damage teeth.  These examinations pay off in preventing future major issues.

To bring a spiritual application to this I point us to 2 Cor 13:5 where Paul instructs us to examine ourselves to see whether we are in the faith.  

What do you do to "examine yourself" spiritually?  How can I know that I am "in the faith?"

Scott

"The Spirituality Tree"

Please excuse the quality (or lack thereof) of the included graphic. I lost the original years ago. This is part of a spiritual wellness activity I do with young people from early to late teens. The idea is to get them thinking about where they are spiritually. Take the self-examination for yourself. The process is really simple. All you have to do is to honestly answer the following questions.

As you begin, realize that everyone is somewhere on this "Spiritual Tree." Look at the picture and find yourself. Give a reason for your choice.

1. What number (or person) on the tree best represents where you are spiritually?
2. Why do you identify with that particular person? (Why are you at that place in the tree?)
3. Where do you wish you were on the tree? Why?
4. How can you get to were you want to be?

Now that you know where you are and where you want to be - - get busy for God in your Spiritual life.

Scott