That’s what a friend asked me once, after I told him I was fine. I was caught off guard. What do you mean how are you really? Are you saying I’m not being real with you? What’s with the really annoying addendum to your question?

But the question was a good one. It opened me up. I told my friend about some struggles, and he encouraged me and prayed for me. And, as much as I was surprised by the question, it was exactly what I needed to be asked.

So, I want to know, how are you really?

How is your faith? Are you holding on to your hope in Christ? Or are you losing your grip on the gospel? Is the world and all its madness drowning out God’s truth?

How is your prayer life? Are you pouring out your heart to God, or just perusing the daily news? When was the last time you read your Bible, not because you have to, but because you get to; because you love God, and want to hear his voice?

How is your mental health? Are you anxious or at peace, fearful or confident, happy or depressed, feeling useful or useless, in pain or feeling good, or feeling nothing at all?

Are you stressed? Lonely? Under pressure? Ready to CRACK?

Does God seem far away, or up close and personal? Do you think God loves you? Do you feel it? Do you know it? Do you doubt it?

How are you doing in your battle against sin? Are you concealing it or confessing it? What’s tempting you these days? Are you asking the Lord for help in it? Telling a close brother or sister about it?

Are you planning to come back to church when we can gather again? Do you want to come back to church when we can gather again? Have you thought, “What is the name of that church I belong to again?”

So, how are you really? I want to know. And, I’d be honoured if you’d ask the same of me. Really.