Scriptural Reality Check
Following Jesus From the Edges
Pastor Calvin J. Cook
June 18, 2026
Scripture: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” — James 1:22
Yesterday was a full day with a variety of meetings, conversations, and focus on different situations and aspects of ministry, life, and just trying to figure everything out.
But here is what paused me. It was an article I read where the author of the article, a disheveled and disappointed Pastor has found himself serving in a ministry that has caused him to question if the church is being the church or just another social organization. The closing line of the article read – “I think it is time for a reality check.” This was one of the last things I read last night before going to sleep, so it has been on my mind through the night.
Asking the question this morning, “do we even do reality checks anymore, and what is a reality check?” So here goes my thoughts this morning, because I really think we need a reality check.
A reality check is that uncomfortable moment when we stop and honestly evaluate where we are, what we are doing, and whether our lives line up with what we say we believe. We often measure ourselves against other people, our accomplishments, our intentions, or even who show up. In church life I believe we gauge our reality and success by church attendance. How many use to be there and how many are actually there. We gauge it on Sunday morning or in our worship service attendance, instead of being the church we read about in Acts. Yet I have come to believe that God’s Word has become, actually always has been the mirror that reveals reality.
James tells us that hearing God’s Word without obeying it is like looking in a mirror and then immediately forgetting what we saw. The problem is not that we lack information. Most believers today have access to more biblical teaching than any generation in history. The question is whether what we know is transforming how we live.
A Scriptural Reality Check asks some difficult questions:
Am I seeking God’s Kingdom first, or am I seeking my own comfort?
Am I loving others the way Christ loves me?
Is prayer my first response or my last resort?
Am I devoted to God’s Word, fellowship, worship, and prayer as the early church was in Acts 2:42?
This last question came from a conversation Gail and I had as we were walking home from dinner last night.
Am I becoming more like Jesus, or simply becoming more religious?
The reality is that God never intended Christianity to be merely a set of beliefs we agree with. He intended it to be a life surrendered to Christ. John 8:32 states: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (ESV). The important word here is “know”. For some extra knowledge look up the definition and explanation for the Greek version of the word “know”. But here is what is so much more important to me. Jesus saying and still saying “Follow Me”.
One of the greatest dangers in the church is becoming comfortable with spiritual drift, even separation. We can attend worship, serve on committees, give offerings, and still slowly move away from the heart of God. That is why Scripture continually calls us to examine ourselves. This also become the working of the Holy Spirit.
The good news is that God’s reality checks are not meant to condemn us. They are invitations to return. Every time God’s Word exposes an area of weakness, it also points us toward grace. The Lord does not reveal truth to shame us; He reveals truth to transform us.
Today, take a few moments and allow God’s Word to speak honestly into your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal where your life aligns with Christ and where adjustments need to be made.
A Scriptural Reality Check may be uncomfortable, but it is also one of God’s greatest gifts. It keeps us from living in deception and draws us back to the abundant life found in Jesus Christ.
Prayer : Lord, search my heart and reveal what is true. Help me to see myself through the lens of Your Word and not through the opinions of others. Where I have drifted, draw me back. Where I have become complacent, awaken me. Give me the courage to obey what You show me and the grace to follow You faithfully. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If God’s Word were the only measure of your life today, what would it reveal that needs to change?
Oh, and by the way – The Pastor, I told you about earlier in this devotional who asked the church if it was time for a reality check. The church’s response: They asked him to leave !
Thoughts from the Edges 
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