Examining Myself

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified (2 Corinthians 13:5).

It is easy for me to see the problems someone else may have in their life. It is much harder for me to see my own problems and need for changes. Yet, Paul makes it clear that I must examine myself, especially in regard to my relationship with God.

I need to examine my attitude. Jesus saw that problem in the lives of the Pharisees and said, “Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). That is a good explanation for Paul giving a list of good things on which to think (Philippians 4:8).

I need to examine my priorities. Jesus told the multitudes not to focus on worldly needs. He declared, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). The Lord also praised Mary for choosing the “good part” (Luke 10:38-42).

I need to examine my focus. Those “raised with Christ” need to focus on “those things which are above” (Colossians 3:1-3). Every Christian was raised with Christ when coming up out of the waters of baptism (Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 2:20). 

I need to examine my goals. The apostle to the Gentiles expressed his. “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him” (2 Corinthians 5:9). His single minded purpose was to “press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14).

Careful examination of self can lead to a confidence in our destiny. “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

Gary C. Hampton