AW Tozer shared, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”  The psalmist in Psalm 16 certainly would agree, as his thoughts about God directly affected his thoughts of self, the relationships he kept, and the compass used for life. What about you? Use these seven questions to gauge how closely you are pursuing, persisting, and promoting Jesus Christ. Leader - these questions are especially important to you as your leadership certainly will influence those following you.

1. Do you claim Christ as Lord? Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” Psalm 16:1,2 
   
   We are not lacking self-help messages such as “you are enough” and “follow your heart” in our culture today. They are everywhere. Yet, Christians think differently. We recognize the need for a source outside ourselves to provide lasting strength, goodness, and direction. That source comes only from Christ the Lord.
2. Do you cultivate relationships with those who prioritize their walk with the Lord? “As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.” Psalm 16:3
   
   Christians cultivate deep friendships with like-minded people who choose to follow the Lord. One reason why fellowship in the local church is so very important is because the church is the obvious place for believers to find the deep and meaningful relationships we need.
3. Do you identify those in your life who chase after idols? “The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.” Psalm 16:4
   
   Tim Keller identified an idol as anything more important to you than God. We need to identify those, regardless of proximity or familial relationship, who chase after the idols of our day as our relationships will affect our pursuits. Pray for discernment to know the relationships to cultivate, keep, or leave. Pray as well to know the difference between evangelism and separation.
4. Do you remember the unearned inheritance given to you as a child in God’s family? The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. Psalm 16:5,6
   
   The Christian walk is a walk of humility. Salvation and our standing as a member of God’s family are precious gifts. The beautiful inheritance is exclusively God’s to give and he does so because of His love for us. Our lives should be a consistent praise for the matchless family He alone has given.
5. Are you thankful for the council received from an almighty God? I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. Psalm 16:7
   
   Christians welcome the perfect and complete instruction from God’s Word as it is true for every circumstance and will sustain even in the dark times of life. We praise the Lord for His Word and live in a place of humility to receive it.
6. Do you intentionally have Christ as the continual compass of your life? I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Psalm 16:8
   
   The leadership of the Lord is completely trustworthy and solid. The Lord is a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul who can stabilize us in each and every challenge that comes our way. However, we must “set” Him where His leadership is primary.
7. Do you recognize that life in Christ is a life of joy? Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:9-11
   
   Christ's followers can possess contentment and confidence by knowing that the Lord will not fail, abandon, or leave us unfinished or tainted. He will complete the work He has begun in us. Such confidence brings a joy that radiates across our entire being.

May these seven questions serve as a measure to search your soul, not to the end of a place of defeat, but to the end of continually growing in our walk with the Lord He has given us. May our efforts glorify Him and lead others to do the same.