Spiritual Assessment Assignment

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Liberty University *

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Arts Humanities

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Feb 20, 2024

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Spiritual Assessment Assignment Andrew Pedde CHPL 598-B03: Spiritual and Professional Development of the Chaplain January 25, 2024
Contents Introduction …..…………………………………………………………………..………… .... 3 Part 1 – “Lust of the Flesh” .……………………………………..………………..……..……3 Part 2 – “Lust of the Eyes” ………………………………………………………… ..... ……...4 Part 3 – “Pride of Life” ….………………………………………………………..…………...5 Part 4 – Combating Temptations ……………………………………………..…………… .... 6 Part 5 – Evaluating Spiritual Weaknesses and Blind Spots ……………………………..….6 Part 6 – Describe how you practice the spiritual disciplines for the purpose of godliness ..7 Part 7 – S.W.O.T. Analysis ……………………………………………………………………8 Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………………………...9 Bibliography ………………………………………………………………………………...…10 ii
Introduction In my thirty-four years on Earth, I've devoted sixteen years to following Christ. Central to being a Christ follower is nurturing a growing and maturing spiritual life. Drawing inspiration from I John 2:16, which reads, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” , I aim to conduct a comprehensive spiritual assessment. The assessment is structured into seven parts. Firstly, it explores the manifestations of the flesh. Secondly, it delves into the concept of the lust of the eyes. Thirdly, it addresses the pride of life. Part four focuses on effectively combating regular temptations, followed by part five, which involves evaluating spiritual weaknesses and blind spots. Part six outlines my practice of spiritual disciplines for godliness, and finally, part seven analyzes my ministry skills using the SWOT method. This assessment is marked by vulnerability, honesty, and prayer, fostering potential spiritual growth. It is not merely an assignment or course requirement; rather, it reflects a lifelong commitment to God's work in my heart. Part 1 – “Lust of the Flesh” When contemplating the phrase "lust of the flesh," my initial association is often with sexual desires. John, the author of I John, employs the Greek word “ epithymia” , denoting an intense and sinful eagerness. 1 Dr. David Allen interprets this as encompassing desires contrary to God's will, such as gluttony, excessive pleasure, moral laxity, and selfish materialism. 2 1 “Strongs’s #1939: Epithumia - Greek/Hebrew Definitions - Bible Tools,” www.bibletools.org, accessed January 28, 2024, https://www.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Lexicon.show/ID/G1939/epithumia.htm . 2 William Barclay, The Letters of John and Jude (La Vergne: Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, 2002), 57. 3
Personally, my current struggle with "lust of the flesh" revolves around food, particularly sugar cookies—a favorite comfort snack. When alone, I indulge in these cookies while watching TV, leading to subsequent feelings of guilt. There are moments when the Holy Spirit convicts me, highlighting that my actions don't honor God but cater to selfish desires. While my struggle involves food, many Christians grapple with the "lust of the flesh," often manifesting in pornography addiction. Those who succumb to this seek instant gratification and pleasure, only to later feel emptiness and numbness, realizing the conviction of the Holy Spirit. God intervened in my life, addressing my "lust of the flesh" regarding food, emphasizing that satisfying selfish desires undermines my relationship with Him rather than honoring Him. Part 2 – “Lust of the Eyes” When considering "lust of the eyes," a children's song that I used to sing while growing up in Awana at my church, immediately comes to my mind. The song goes a little like this, “Oh be careful little eyes what you see, O be careful little eyes what you see; For the Father up above is looking down in love; So, be careful little eyes what you see”. There’s more to the song, but as a young child, I was constantly reminded to be careful what I allow my eyes to see. John's use of the Greek word " ophtalmos " come to mind, emphasizing vision and figuratively, envy. 3 This interpretation contrasts with my previous understanding. I now see "lust of the eyes" aligning with the tenth commandment found in Exodus 20:17 which says, “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox” . Growing up as a sports fan, my strong desire focused on sports cards, particularly my neighbor's extensive collection. I sought opportunities to view and hold his cards, yearning for a sense of coolness. Even now, after eighteen years, I selfishly long to revisit that 3 “Strongs’s #3788: Ophthalmos - Greek/Hebrew Definitions - Bible Tools,” www.bibletools.org, accessed January 28, 2024, https://www.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Lexicon.show/ID/G3788/ophthalmos.htm . 4
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