Time for a Spiritual Check-up

Pope Francis has been shaking things up in the Vatican, and even we Protestants have been taking note.  In his Christmas sermon last December he listed 15 sins or “diseases” of the Curia (the Vatican leadership), and he noted that they are dangers for every Christian and for every Christian community.  This Advent, as you prepare to welcome the Prince of Peace born in humility, take a moment to consider which of these diseases you or our congregation needs healing.

1. The disease of feeling “immortal” or “essential:” Do you believe that everyone depends on you, and the world will stop without you?

2. The disease of excessive activity: Do you neglect Sabbath rest and experience stress and anxiety because you are trying to be productive?

3. The diseases of mental and spiritual “petrification:” Have you lost the peace and joy that Christ brings because you are stuck in time-worn routine and thought?

4. The disease of over-planning: Are you open to the freedom of the Holy Spirit to disrupt and transform you well-made plans?

5. The disease of bad coordination: Does your desire to do things your own way limit how well you work with others to advance Christ’s kingdom?

6. The disease of “spiritual Alzheimer's:” Do you remember your encounters with the Lord that changed your life?  How do those experiences continue to shape you?

7. The disease of rivalry and vainglory: Is your goal to receive recognition and respect for yourself, instead of bringing glory and honor to God?

8. The disease of existential schizophrenia: Are you at risk of living in a way that has nothing to do with your rich and deep relationship with Christ?

9. The disease of gossip and chatter: Do you create conflict by speaking cowardly behind someone’s back, or foolishly without knowing the full situation?

10. The disease of deifying the leaders: Do you think those in leadership over you are able to provide everything you need or want?

11: The disease of indifference to others: Do other people matter to you only because of how they can help or hinder you?

12. The disease of the funeral face: Does the grace of Christ fill you with joy, enthusiasm, humor, and celebration?

13. The disease of hoarding: Do you seek security in material possessions in order to fill a void in your life, or because you believe they will keep you secure?

14. The disease of closed circles: How willing are you to welcome others?  Is your clique more important than belonging to the body of Christ?

15. The disease of worldly profit and exhibitionism: Will you do whatever it takes to become more powerful and superior, particularly at the expense of others?