A Litmus Test Of Spiritual Well-Beng

“Litmus test” is a process used to determine the nature of something. In the 14th century scientists discovered that litmus, a mixture of colored organic compounds obtained from lichen, turns red in acid solutions and blue in alkaline solutions and, thus, can be used as an acid-base indicator. From a social perspective litmus tests are used to determine someone’s true intentions, beliefs, and character effectively and decisively.

What is the litmus test for genuine spiritual wellbeing? To read and listen to Christian experts one easily walks away confused about their personal relationship with the Lord and their state of wellbeing. These experts have their do-don’t lists that are to serve as a litmus test.

• There are those to which I refer to as nitpicky legalistic theologians. They focus on a purely moralistic way of measuring spiritual wellbeing.

• Reformed preachers tell us that God predestined some to be saved “before the foundation of the world”—saying we do not choose the Lord. Stay with this strain of thought and the conclusion is they are saying there is no hope for some.

• There is the works theology that is popular; the belief that though salvation is by grace certain kinds of works must be seen as evidence of salvation—if they are not present it means one’s salvation is inauthentic. They want to say salvation is a gift with one side of the mouth and while saying works are necessary for eternal life from the other side of the mouth.

• Then the Charismatics champion their “charismatic gifts” theology—word of knowledge, increased faith, gifts of healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment of spirits, diversity of and interpretation of tongues, etc.

• Some Christians lean toward a humanistic perspective and advocate social justice, human freedom, individual conscience, unencumbered rational inquiry, a focus on personal needs and principles, etc.

If asked by a friend, how do you respond if asked, “How do you experience spiritual well-being amid the plethora of religious experts?”

Does the Bible have a litmus test? If so, what is it? The term biblical principles are easily thrown around, more as a way of defending a particular point of view verses looking at spiritual wellbeing from an authentic point of view. 1 Corinthians helps us in the development of a genuine understanding of spiritual wellbeing.

Allow me to clarify something. There are two ways to assess spiritual wellbeing.

• The Bible provides a litmus test to determine if a person has or has not accepted God’s gift of salvation

• The Bible provides a litmus test to determine if a believer aspires for godliness or not.

1. Paul affirms individuals who make up the body of Christ. I Corinthians 1:1-3

In our text, Paul is writing to those who are believers; they have an equal standing before God. None have greater status than others, regardless of gift mix or place of service in the body of Christ—the Church. Becoming a believer assumes a belief in the effectual nature of God-Incarnate in Jesus, his death, and his resurrection—nothing more. If you have believed in Jesus for your salvation don’t let anyone suggest you have to do anything to guarantee that. Some would say you have to speak in tongues. Some say if you die before you are baptized you don’t go to heaven.

A person can accept Jesus any time or place and have the assurance of salvation. You can be a person, as a man in our church, sitting in a hotel, contemplating suicide, and pick up a Gideon Bible and become a believer and have assurance of salvation. You can be a construction worker and have a coworker-pastor share the love of Christ, accept Jesus into your heart, point to a pond, ask to be baptized, and have the assurance of salvation. Honestly, most accept Christ prior to “walking down the aisle”, which is an affirmation of their decision.

We can say that we are spiritual; however, when we hear the Word proclaimed it becomes a litmus test of our spiritual status. In Proverbs 14:12 we read, “There is a way that seems right to man, but its end is death.” Search the internet and you will find a variety of forms of spirituality.

Our first question is this, have you embraced, believed in, the love of Christ? Do you realize it is not something you work toward? Do you realize it doesn’t matter how bad others, or yourself, judge your sins? Do you understand your spiritual wellbeing is founded upon accepting Christ for salvation? That is crucial! The Bible is the only litmus test for determining if you do or do not spend eternity with Jesus. In the book of John we read,

But to all who did receive Him,

He gave them the right to be children of God,