Checkpoints

I never got into video or arcade games much as a child, but I had a lot of friends who did, so I would play them every once in a while. Certain games, such as automobile racing ones, had checkpoints. If you crashed or died after reaching that checkpoint, you didn't have to start all the way over, you just reset back to that last checkpoint. Often times that was a lifesaver!

I believe that as Christians, spouses, church members, employees, and just as citizens on this earth, we ought to have certain "checkpoints" in place. We need to hold ourselves accountable so that we don't look up and find ourselves back at square one (in our walks with Christ, in our marriages, etc.).

Today I want to give you six checkpoints to help you stay on track. So that you'll be able to remember them easily, they all start with a "W.”

1. Walk

In the New Testament, “walk” is often times synonymous for “live.” In Ephesians 2:10, Paul tells us that God prepared good works for us ahead of time “so that we should walk in them.” In Ephesians 5:2, we are commanded to “walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us.” In 5:8 we are commanded to “Walk as children of light.” In 5:15 we are reminded to “walk—not as unwise people but as wise.”

So how are you walking? How are you living? And how is your walk with Christ?

2. Wife (Spouse)

Sadly, marriages often take a back seat to work, success, hobbies, and even children. But notice where it falls on this list—your marriage is important.

How much time have you spent with your husband or wife this week? Husband, are you loving your wife sacrificially (Eph 5:25)? Wife, are you living in submission to your husband (Eph 5:24)? Married couple, does your marriage depict Christ and His church as it should?

3. Witness

Throughout His life and ministry, Jesus said a lot of things—a lot of very important things. Right now I want to direct you to some of His very last words here on earth:

Matthew 28:19, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”

Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

As Jesus was leaving this earth, He wanted to make sure that He wasn’t forgotten. He wanted His disciples to spread the word about Him. And He still wants us to spread the word about Him today. How has your witness been lately?

4. Word

Psalm 119 is all about the Lord’s commands, statutes, and instructions. It is all about His Word. In verse 105 the psalmist writes, “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path,” suggesting that the Bible should be our guide for daily living. Every step we take should be determined by the principles set forth in God’s Word.

So in order to know that Word and live by that Word, we have to spend time reading and studying and even memorizing that Word. How much time have you been spending in the Word lately?

5. Work

We all work. If you are retired, you still do plenty of odds and ends, even if they aren’t for pay. In its original context, Colossians 3:22-25 is addressing slaves, but I believe it has application for employees and workers today. In 3:23-24 Paul commands, “Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.”

Brothers and sisters, we can’t leave our Christianity behind when we go to work. I know you might not enjoy working under your boss, but remember this: before we serve our employers, we serve the Lord. We must do everything we do as if we are doing it for Him (because in all reality, we are).

And don’t forget about the promise in the verse above. Even if we aren’t rewarded here on earth, He will reward us later, in eternity.

6. Worship

You might be wondering why something as important as worship is at the bottom of the list. I saved this one for last because it is a culmination of all the above. Walking with God, loving our wives, being a witness, spending time in the Word, and working enthusiastically are all acts of worship that prove we love, respect, and adore our Savior. So everything we do should be an act of worship.

I guarantee you that if you run through these checkpoints often, you will be challenged. But as a result, you will be changed; you will be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).