"Taking Inventory"

 

“Taking Inventory”

 

One of my responsibilities of my work as a Sears’ warehouseman during the 1960’s was being a part of the annual inventory team. This was a multi-step process including pre-listing stock in each aisle, making a note when items were removed, the physical counting, recounting for accuracy, submitting the completed forms to the office to be recorded on file cards and setting damaged or discontinued merchandise aside for sale at greatly reduced prices. Little did I know then that years later I’d work as a retail inventory auditor but by that time sophisticated calculators and computer systems had been developed making the counting procedures quicker and more accurate. Store personnel relied heavily on our work to determine sales trends, loss levels and future ordering.

A few months ago my Bible reading was in Nehemiah. When he heard of the condition of his beloved Jerusalem he prayed and made himself available to God to do something about it. He secured permission from his employer, King Xerxes, to take a leave of absence to rebuild the city’s walls. He tells us what he did in these words: “…I went out…examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire.” (Nehemiah 2:13). In other words, he took inventory of the conditions. He then challenged the Jewish leaders, “Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem….” (Verse 17) to which they replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” (Verse 18). The remainder of the book relates God’s blessings as the project was completed in 52 days (Nehemiah 6:15).

Around 1000 BC King David prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me, and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:23-24, NLT). In other words, he invites God to take inventory of his life. Some 1000 years later Paul challenges his readers to “Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups.” (2 Corinthians 13:5, TM, emphasis added). Stated another way, “Take inventory of your life to see if you measure up to God’s expectations and desires.”

Just as regular physical inventories of stock helps businesses operate more efficiently our regular (better yet, daily) inventory of our lives, both God’s and our own, brings us closer to and makes us more effective for Him. Have I taken personal inventory lately? What needs changing? And am I willing to do it?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan