1.            How often do you attend church on Sundays?

A.            Every Sunday

B.            Occasionally

C.            Holidays

2.            How often do you listen to or read the Bible?

A.            Daily

B.            Occasionally

C.            Almost never

3.            How many spiritual books a year do you read?

A.            More than one

B.            One

C.            None

4.            Describe your prayer life.

A.            A few minutes each morning, noon and night

B.            A few minutes here and there throughout the week

C.            None

5.            How often do you give thanks before meals?

A.            All the time

B.            When I remember

C.            On holidays

6.            How often do you give thanks after meals?

A.            All the time

B.            When I remember

C.            Never

7.            How often do you give thanks to God for all He has done, both big and small?

A.            Nightly/daily

B.            Weekly

C.            Not often

8.            Do you make time for an overnight spiritual retreat away from the crowds, technology and noise?

A.            At least once a year

B.            Once every few years

C.            Never, but occasionally go on vacations

9.            Do you take a few moments of time here and there for “mini retreats;” go for a walk or a drive to relax and pray?

A.            Weekly

B.            Monthly

C.            No, not usually

10.          How often do you connect with the “family of God” around you to serve, help, pray, dine and share together?

A.            Weekly

B.            Monthly

C.            Rarely

11.          Have you received water baptism?

A.            Yes

B.            Not sure, but I think so

C.            No

12.          Have you received Confirmation and the anointing of the Holy Spirit?

A.            Yes

B.            Not sure, but I think so

C.            No

13.          How often do you humble yourself by admitting and confessing your failures and wrongdoings?

A.            Frequently

B.            Rarely

C.            Never

14.          Do you have a “spiritual” friend, clergy member or advisor that you can talk about spiritual things?

A.            Yes

B.            Occasionally

C.            No

15.          Do you generously share your gifts, talents and career abilities in service to the Body of Christ, the Church?

A.            Yes, weekly

B.            Yes, occasionally

C.            No, I’m just too busy

16.          In a typical year, I am inclined to visit friends, family and others in the hospital.

A.            Often

B.            Occasionally

C.            Not usually

17.          Typically, when I see a homeless person I am inclined to go out of my way and help in some way, remembering not to judge.

A.            Frequently

B.            Occasionally

C.            Not usually

18.          I’ve been known to stop in a nursing home to visit family, friends and even people I don’t know to share some cheer especially at Christmastime.

A.            Often

B.            Sometimes

C.            Never

19.          When I see an ambulance and a car accident, this is how I usually respond.

A.            Pray

B.            Respectfully drive by

C.            Quickly get around it and try to make up time

20.          When we have parties, fun times and get-togethers, I enjoy having the children around.

A.            All the time

B.            Sometimes

C.            Never

21.          When I see someone cut me off or disobey the laws of the road, I have a few choice words for them either to my passengers or inside my head, for instance, “you idiot!”

A.            Never

B.            Sometimes

C.            All the time

22.          I have little patience for food servers that get the order wrong, I’m inclined to speak up and get it done correctly.

A.            Never

B.            Sometimes

C.            All the time

23.          When I give and give to someone, either at work or in my family and they don’t show appreciation, or say “thank you”, I am inclined to bring it to their attention.

A.            Never

B.            Sometimes

C.            Usually

24.          Homeless people become homeless because they are lazy; why don’t they just go out and get a job like the rest of us?

A.            I disagree

B.            I somewhat agree

C.            I totally agree

25.          Thanks be to God, everyone likes me. I go to church on Sunday and keep up a nice house, don’t smoke or drink too much and give a little of money in the collection each week.  I’m confident this is the kind of person that is on the way to heaven.

A.            I disagree

B.            I somewhat agree

C.            I totally agree

26.          Having the latest phone, computer or clothing style is important to me.

A.            Not at all

B.            Sometimes

C.            All the time

27.          I tend to see the glass half empty.  I can quickly assess problems and tell others the way it should be.

A.            Not at all

B.            Sometimes

C.            All the time

28.          The tax collector Zacchaeus promised to give 50% of all he owned. Jesus commanded the rich young ruler give 100%.  But I give to the Lord . . .

A.            50%

B.            10%

C.            Less than 10%

29.          Thanks be to God that he loves me because I am straight. I cheat every now and again and entertain a few nasty thoughts. But those gay people, prostitutes, drug addicts and abortionists are headed straight for hell.

A.            I disagree

B.            I somewhat agree

C.            I totally agree

30.          I have a motto that works for me, “I don’t get mad, I get even.”

A.            Not true

B.            Somewhat true

C.            Definitely

31.          I am hard on myself when I make mistakes and tend to get increased anxiety after my failures while still striving for perfection and attention.

A.            False

B.            Somewhat true

C.            True

32.          Many workers and colleagues are idiots and incompetent.  Why don’t they study, work harder and perform more intelligently like me?

A.            I disagree

B.            I somewhat agree

C.            I totally agree.

33.          Jesus told us never to judge, but in all reality you do have to judge others from time to time.

A.            False

B.            Somewhat true

C.            True

34.          Jesus told us to infinitely forgive, 70 X 70, but this is unrealistic, I have my limits.

A.            I disagree, we should always forgive

B.            I somewhat agree

C.            I totally agree, we all have our limits, I’m not a doormat!

35.          When someone becomes verbally aggressive it prompts the following reaction from me.

A.            I am slow to speak and walk away

B.            I put in my two cents and walk away

C.            I stay and argue and battle it out

36.          If Jesus came today, would the Master find me so doing?

A.            Yes, I am always actively serving the Lord with my life.

B.            Yes, I am actively serving the Lord, but not always consistent.

C.            No he would not find me doing a lot for him because I work very hard in my career and I’m very busy all the time, I hope he understands.

37.          My style is to have a nice long talk with someone over an issue, especially my reputation is on the line.

A.            False, they can think and do what they want, remaining silent is the best thing.

B.            I prefer to remain silent in these situations, however if they push hard enough I will respond.

C.            Stick up for yourself, speak up, don’t let others push you around and let them know you are not going to tolerate this.

38.          Lately I find myself forgiving and praying for my enemies just like Jesus said to do.

A.            Daily

B.            Weekly

C.            Never

39.          I prefer to include and stay close to family members and coworkers that are “odd” and may not have the personal gifts, intelligence, good looks or friends that others have.

A.            All the time

B.            Some of the time

C.            I prefer to be with my own crowd

40.          I work hard at home and on the job to be kind, compassionate, giving and helpful, but all I get in return is gossip, accusations, misinterpretation of my actions and more.

A.            Often

B.            From time to time

C.            Not usually

41.          When someone gets on my bad side, I am inclined to do little things behind the scenes to make their life miserable, just to let them know I am angry.

A.            Never

B.            Sometimes

C.            Often

42.          I have been known to use texting or an email to vent and speak my mind to someone.

A.            Never

B.            Sometimes

C.            Often

43.          Sharing gossip, especially getting talk out there about those who have wronged me is nothing more than public knowledge and it’s a good way to get even.

A.            I refrain from doing this no matter how tempting it seems

B.            I do this sometimes

C.            I do this all the time

44.          I admit I’m a sinner and in need of a savior. I have no problem accepting the fact that I am no better off than the people in prison; the only difference being is they have gotten caught.

A.            Strongly agree

B.            Somewhat agree

C.            Strongly disagree

45.          When I do good for the poor, the sick and for others a little thanks and recognition along the way is important to me and inspires me to keep up the good deeds.

A.            I do it and expect nothing in return

B.            Recognition makes me feel good, but I don’t wait for it

C.            If in time I don’t receive thanks and recognition, I am disappointed

46.          When I give my hard earned money to a charity, I at least expect the people there to listen to me and to please understand that I pay their bills, show a little respect by doing things my way.

A.            I donate my money to the Lord with no strings attached

B.            When I donate, I would hope for a little consideration

C.            As my donations begin to add up, the more power and control is natural

47.          How often to you confess your failures, shortcomings and sins to God in prayer?

A.            Daily

B.            When I remember

C.            Can’ t remember the last time

48.          I can confidently say that my personal walk with the God has had a positive effect on inspiring family members and friends to follow the Lord too.

A.            Yes, most definitely

B.            Somewhat

C.            Not sure

49.          How would others - pastors, family and friends rate the solid stance of your spiritual life on a scale of 1 – 10, 10 being the most solid.

A.            8-10

B.            5-7

C.            1-4

50.          How would you rate the solid stance of your spiritual life on a scale of 1 – 10, 10 being the most solid.

A.            8-10

B.            5-7

C.            1-4

HOW TO SCORE YOUR CALCULATOR

Okay, you are ready to self-score.  Give yourself 2 points for every letter “A.”  Give yourself 1 point for every letter “B.”  Give yourself 0 points for every “C.”  Now, total up your points.

Heaven Bound 75 – 100

This 50 question self-assessment focused on both the obvious and not so obvious Biblical spiritual expectations of Christians.  More than likely you scored strong points in the clear foundations of our faith like baptism, sacraments, prayer, thanksgiving and service.  However, you also seem to be aware that those things are not the only determiners. Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) You also scored strongly in the not so obvious but weighty matters of mercy, compassion, giving, humility, love and forgiveness – these are the complex virtues that are not often easily understood or integrated into a Christian’s daily life.  Overall, your continued inclination and dedication to frequent prayer and acts of mercy will keep you on the right track until you are called home.  May God always bless and continue to strengthen your Christian witness.

Homeward Bound 60 – 74

You do a lot of things right, probably the basics like prayer and church attendance.  By increasing your alms giving, charitable acts, works of mercy and willingness to forgive, you will be well on your way to heaven.   Don’t stop now; you are on a good course that just needs a burst of a little more polishing, energy, drive, sacrifices of unconditional love and fortitude.

Homeless Bound 50 – 59

The good news is that you know and understand the basics of your faith.  The bad news is that you are probably a borderline Christian, lukewarm in your devotion.  For instance, there is nothing more disgusting than a swig of lukewarm water from a bottle sitting in the car too long in the heat of day.  Think about it.  More than likely you have commitment and dedication issues with daily prayer, church attendance, frequent Bible reading and more.  You probably have problems with others when it comes to compassion, kindness, mercy, forgiveness and alms giving.  But Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)  You are in need of mercy and the best way to receive it upon your death is to give it now, while you are still here in this life.  People who die with unresolved issues frequently become homeless in a place called Purgatory.  Often they remain there, homeless in desolate and confining places for years.  Some saints estimate billions of homeless souls are still in Purgatory.  Let's be real, even if you die with your faith, but also die with unforgiveness, anger, hate and other unmerciful issues, you will not go direct to heaven, but wonderfully, may not go to hell, thanks be to God.  Even if you don’t believe in Purgatory, you may still be headed there.  Increase your prayer life, church going, receiving the sacraments, confession, works of mercy, compassion and forgiveness and you can turn your life around to heaven-bound.

Hell Bound 1 – 49

Well, let’s be real. You were willing to take this assessment so you do not deserve this.  You deserve better.  You deserve heaven.  Yes, you may be too busy with your career, your hectic life, acquiring possessions, car and family but that is no excuse for losing eternal life.  Jesus said, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet lose their soul?” (Matthew 16:26)  Resolve today to do three things immediately, don’t delay: 1.) Meet with a church pastor and discuss your spiritual situation. You can use the results of this assessment as a springboard for your discussion.  2.) Begin today to read the Bible a little bit each day.  3.) Say a few prayers each day, even in the car on the way to work and go to church on Sunday.  God bless you, I will be praying for you.