Measuring Growth or Missing the Point
I had an idea a while back—one of those “I’m going to fix this” kind of moments that started with good intentions. I thought about creating a sort of spiritual assessment. Maybe even a quiz or test that would help someone gauge where they stand in their relationship with God. Something that could offer actionable feedback. You know—like, “Here are your strengths, here’s where you need work, and here’s what to do about it.”
On the surface, it seemed like a good idea. I’ve always been wired to look for the next project, the next step, the next way to improve something. And when it comes to our relationship with God, shouldn’t we want to grow intentionally? Shouldn’t we be checking in with ourselves regularly to make sure we’re moving forward, not slipping backward?
But as I sat with the idea longer, something started to feel off.
I didn’t want to reduce a living, breathing, grace-filled relationship with the Creator of the universe down to a checklist or scorecard. I didn’t want people—including myself—to walk away feeling like they’d failed a test on faith. And I really didn’t want to fall into the trap of becoming like the Pharisees—so focused on external performance and measuring “righteousness” that I missed the point entirely.
It’s not that self-examination is wrong. In fact, 2 Corinthians 13:5 tells us to "examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves." Reflection is biblical. But the goal of that examination should always be connection, not condemnation. Conviction, not shame. A deeper walk with Christ—not a pat on the back or a failing grade.
I still think there’s value in asking hard questions—being honest about where we are spiritually. But I’m learning that the best place to ask those questions isn’t always on a form or survey. It’s in prayer. It’s in quiet moments with God. It’s in the conversations we have with trusted friends and mentors who can speak truth into our lives.
So, no—I never finished building that test. I paused. Maybe permanently. Maybe not.
I’m still thinking it through. Maybe there’s a way to turn that idea into something more grace-filled and helpful, something that encourages growth without reducing our relationship with God to a grade. But for now, I’m choosing to step back, keep listening, and let God lead me in His timing.
One thing I do know: spiritual growth can’t always be measured. But it can be lived out—in the choices we make, the grace we give, and the way we love others. And sometimes, that’s all the proof we need that we’re growing.
