Taking Inventory

Taking Inventory                                     January 5, 2025

Some states and some locations within states collect inventory tax.  At year’s end a store or other business might deliberately deplete its inventory to avoid some of the tax burden.  Taking inventory can also help a business see where it has done well and what areas need improvement.

I recommend taking a different kind of inventory.  No government entity will tax these things, but we can take a candid look at progress on which we can build as well as weak areas we can strengthen.

God has our complete inventory every day; He knows us better than we know ourselves!  King David marveled that God knew his very thoughts: “You understand my though from afar off” (Psalms 139:2).  Not only that, but God knew David’s every word: “For there is not a word on my tongue but, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether” (139:4).  Taking inventory of our thoughts and words will indicate the condition of our heart, for “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34), and “out of the heart proceed evil thoughts” (15:19).

David also knew the ever-present, all-powerful God was worthy of his worship.  “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalms 139:14).  What do you find when you inventory your worship habits?

David valued God’s word: “How precious also are your thoughts to me, O God!” (139:17).  How valuable is the Bible to you?  Does its value show in your reading and study?

Finally, David pleaded, “Search me, O God, and know my heart … and see if there is any wicked way in me” (139:23-24).  We wish our inventory of sin would find none.  Realistically, though, let’s ask: Are they the same sins we found a year ago?  Five years ago? Ten?  Are we striving against sin, or marking time, or just floating along with the current?

It’s time to take inventory!

                                                                   By Joe Slater