EXAMINE YOURSELF

Any medical expert would recommend going for a complete health check-up periodically once you cross a certain age. Just imagine, you neglect such an advice and all of a sudden come to know that you are seriously sick, it may be too late!

Similarly, in our spiritual life, we need an occasional spiritual health check up to see how our spiritual life is, how healthy and strong are we in connection with the things of God. Do not just assume that we belong to Christ and everything is okay.

“But let each one take heed how he builds on it.” (1Cori. 3:10c). “But let a man examine himself and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” (1Cor. 11:28). “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves…” (2Cori. 13:5).

This means that whoever we are, a church member, pastor, preacher, evangelist, or whatever may be our position in the congregation we attend, the Bible calls upon everyone to examine ourselves.

a. It ’s not our business to examine others.
Often we prefer and even enjoy evaluating others. That attitude only leads us to self-righteousness and pride. “Judge not that you may not be judged.” Matth. 7:1 (1Cor. 4:5).
We can only see and hear about others, not what is in the inside (1Sam. 16: 7). So, if we try to judge others, not only we make a blunder, but it ’s also a rebellion against God, who is the only true judge. For we are trying to take His place!

b. Our assumption may not be right.
We may think that we are in the right path. But our understanding is limited. Listen what the wise man says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (Pro. 16: 25). “All the ways of man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits.” (V. 2).

c. The Lord knows exactly and judges accordingly Jer. 17: 10.
“I the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind. Even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.”

d. Nothing shall remain secret forever, Matt. 10:26; Mar. 4:22; 1Cor. 4:5b.
Not only does God know the entire secret exactly, He will make it known. Sooner or later all our secrets will be out! It’s absolutely impossible to keep something hidden forever.
Notice what Christ says. “For nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” (Matt. 10:26). “For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light.” (Mar. 4:22).

Paul also wrote, “…The Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart.” (1Cori. 4:5b).
Some think, ‘God will reveal only in future and we will see then!’ No, He has the right to reveal at any time. (cf. Joshua 7; Acts 5; Reve. 2, 3, etc.). It seems the Lord reveals our sins today itself so that we may repent, confess and find cleansing by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

Dear friend,
The Lord knows us exactly. He may allow us to continue in our rebellious ways for some time, but one day we will have to stand before Him, and then it will be too late. The Devil may make sure we remain in the dark. Not only he has blinded the eyes of unbelievers, he even hinders believers from leading a holy and right life.
Let us examine ourselves, and test our spiritual life today. How is our practical spiritual life? How would the Lord find us as He examines the secrets of our life?
Oh, let us not deceive ourselves. Search the word of God and plead with the Lord, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139: 23, 24).

Prepared by Nelson Thomas as part of his teaching ministry. You can reproduce this article in any medium, provided it is unedited, and retain the original author / copyright information and reference to this website. Please feel free to write to the author for details. Or contact gracepeaceu AT gmail.com

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