Shalom Assessment

Shalom refers to a holistic sense of well-being, or blessedness. When God created us, he holistically integrated our intellect, emotions, physical body, spirit, and social aspects. When given as a blessing upon another it is meant to convey God’s blessing in every area for a holistic, balanced, well-being. We translate the Jewish word as peace because it implies all things in harmony as God intended. We experience peace, or shalom when the various areas of our lives are perfectly balanced. When any one dimension of our wellbeing is faltering, its weight affects all other dimensions of our lives. When something is weakened or out of balance, the health of your whole soul is off.

In this self-assessment where you're life is at currently. You can retake this over time and expect different results.

Spiritual Balance

Spiritual health is a key aspect of a person's overall well-being according to the Bible. God created us not just as physical beings but also as spiritual beings who are in need of a relationship with Him. The Bible teaches that faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of spiritual health, providing us with purpose, meaning, and hope. As Psalm 34:8 says, "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him."

Regular prayer and meditation are encouraged in the Bible as practices that can deepen our relationship with God and provide us with spiritual strength and guidance. As it says in Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Living a moral and ethical life is also emphasized in the Bible as important for spiritual health. Treating others with love, respect, and kindness is seen as a reflection of our relationship with God. As it says in Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

Finally, community and fellowship with other believers are also essential for spiritual health. Gathering together for worship, study, and fellowship helps to strengthen our faith and build relationships with others who share our beliefs. As it says in Hebrews 10:24-25, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Overall, the Bible prioritizes spiritual health as an essential aspect of our well-being. By prioritizing our relationship with God, engaging in regular prayer and meditation, living a moral and ethical life, and engaging in community and fellowship with other believers, we can cultivate spiritual health and experience the fullness of life that God intends for us.

Instructions

The first step to having a balanced soul is assessing where you are now. Read the following statements and rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 for each, based on well the statement describes you, with a 10 meaning that the statement completely describes you, and a 1 not at all.

Health Balance

The Bible encourages us to take care of our physical health, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Here are a few ways in which the Bible encourages us to maintain our physical health:

Exercise and Physical Activity: The Bible doesn't specifically talk about exercise, but it does encourage us to take care of our bodies. As it says in 1 Timothy 4:8, "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." Physical activity can help us maintain good health, and it's important to take care of our bodies so that we can be better equipped to serve God.

Healthy Eating: The Bible encourages us to eat a healthy diet. For example, Daniel and his friends chose to eat vegetables and drink water rather than the rich food and wine provided by the Babylonian king, and they were healthier as a result (Daniel 1:11-16). Similarly, the Israelites were given instructions about what they could and could not eat in the Old Testament, and these guidelines were designed to promote good health (Leviticus 11).

Rest and Sabbath: The Bible also emphasizes the importance of rest and Sabbath. As it says in Exodus 20:8-10, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God." Resting and taking time off work can help us avoid burnout and maintain good health.

Avoiding harmful substances: The Bible also cautions against the use of harmful substances. For example, Proverbs 20:1 warns against the dangers of alcohol, saying, "Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise." Similarly, the Bible cautions against the use of drugs and other harmful substances.

Overall, the Bible encourages us to take care of our physical health by engaging in regular physical activity, eating a healthy diet, resting and taking time off work, and avoiding harmful substances. By doing so, we can honor God by taking care of the bodies He has given us and be better equipped to serve Him. Robbing from your health is robbing God from the opportunity to effectively work through you.

Instructions

Read the following statements and rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 for each, based on well the statement describes you, with a 10 meaning that the statement completely describes you, and a 1 not at all.

Allies Balance

Life can be lonely. God saw that it wasn’t good that mankind should exist outside of relationships. Therefore, he made a companion as his first work of special creation after resting on the 7th day. This highlights the importance of friendship.

As you move through life, you will need allies to help you share your burdens. It is a sign of weakness, rather than strength to try and make it alone. Adam had Eve, Elijah had Elisha, David had Jonathan, and Jesus had John, Peter, and James. Friends serve as our allies and a support system.

These support systems may be peer-to-peer like the allegiance of Paul and Barnabas, or they may be a mentoring relationship like Paul had with Timothy. Friendships such as these serve as valuable travel companions on the journey of faith.

Instructions

Read the following statements and rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 for each, based on well the statement describes you, with a 10 meaning that the statement completely describes you, and a 1 not at all.

Logos Balance

In Greek philosophy, logos (λόγος) meant "reason" or "discourse." In the New Testament, the term logos takes on a special theological meaning, especially in the Gospel of John, where it refers to Jesus Christ as the divine Word of God. Logos speaks to the ideas that we are ruminating on, and developing our thinking with.

The stoic philosophers believed that the universe was governed by a rational principle or Logos, which was identified with the divine and governed the workings of the universe. This concept was influential in early Christian thought and helped to shape the understanding of Jesus Christ as the divine Word or Logos.

Overall, the term logos in the New Testament emphasizes the idea of divine revelation and communication. In Jesus Christ, God's Word is revealed to humanity, bringing light and life to those who receive him.

Instructions

Read the following statements and rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 for each, based on well the statement describes you, with a 10 meaning that the statement completely describes you, and a 1 not at all.

Oikos Balance

The term "oikos" is used in the Bible to refer to a household or family unit. In the New Testament, the term is used to describe the house churches that were common in the early Christian community. For example, in Acts 16:31-34, when the Philippian jailer asks what he must do to be saved, Paul and Silas respond, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." The jailer and his entire household are then baptized.

In other passages, the term "oikos" is used to refer to the physical structure of a house, as in Matthew 7:24-27, where Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish builders who built their houses on rock and sand, respectively. The word "oikos" is used to describe the physical structure of both houses.

In addition to these uses, the term "oikos" is also used in a more metaphorical sense to describe the larger community or society. For example, in 1 Timothy 3:15, the church is described as "the household of God," and in Ephesians 2:19, believers are described as "fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household."

Overall, the term "oikos" is used in the Bible to refer to the household or family unit, as well as the larger community or society. It is a term that emphasizes the importance of relationships and community in the Christian faith.

Instructions

Read the following statements and rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 for each, based on well the statement describes you, with a 10 meaning that the statement completely describes you, and a 1 not at all.

Mental Balance

The Bible addresses issues related to mental and emotional well-being in various ways. One way is by encouraging us to seek help when we are struggling emotionally. It teaches that God hears the cries of the brokenhearted and is close to those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:17-18). Seeking help from others, including friends, family, and mental health professionals, can be an important step in maintaining mental health.

Another way the Bible addresses mental health is by encouraging us to renew our minds and focus on positive thoughts. It says in Romans 12:2, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Focusing on positive thoughts and affirmations can help improve our mental and emotional well-being.

The Bible also encourages us to practice self-control, which can help improve our mental health. Galatians 5:22-23 teaches, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Practicing self-control can help us manage difficult emotions and maintain our mental and emotional well-being.

Finally, the Bible teaches that finding rest and peace in God is important for our mental health. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Finding rest and peace in God can help us manage stress and maintain our mental and emotional well-being. For this reason, recreational pursuits such as music, sports, entertainment, playing video or board games can enhance our mental health as they give us recreation.

Overall, while the Bible does not use the modern term "mental health," it does offer guidance and encouragement for maintaining our mental and emotional well-being, including seeking help, renewing our minds, practicing self-control, and finding rest and peace in God.

Instructions

Read the following statements and rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 for each, based on well the statement describes you, with a 10 meaning that the statement completely describes you, and a 1 not at all.