Read 2 Corinthians 13:5-9
Medical doctors encourage patients–especially female patients–to conduct periodic “self-examinations” in order to discover any unusual changes in health. Early discovery carries more of a guarantee that the issue can be addressed and resolved in a relatively short period of time. However, ignoring signs of physical issues can result in prolonged, extensive, and costly treatments.
Of course, preventative health-care includes annual physicals, so the doctor can note any changes in health from a year ago. Lost a few pounds since last year? Excellent! You’re looking good! Sugar levels decreased? Wonderful! Let’s modify the medication dose. Cholesterol improved? Awesome. Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it.
The way we care for our physical being, we must do the same for our spiritual being. We all know that simply living life will include a variety of tests, trials, and temptations. Scripture offers encouragement as we walk through difficulties. However, we are also admonished to perform periodic “self-examinations” to ensure strength to face come-what-may. In today’s reading, Paul instructed the Corinthians . . .
“Examine yourselves . . . test yourselves . . . Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you–unless, of course, you fail the test?” 2 Cor. 13:5
One way we can examine ourselves–and pass the “Christ Jesus is in me” test with confidence–is to compare where we are today to where we were a year ago–or even five years ago. We should show . .
- A continued and increased desire to read and live by the Word (Wonderful! Let’s up the dose!)
- Peace in the heart and joy on the face. (Excellent! You’re looking good!)
- An increased awareness of the needs of others, and a desire to assist (Awesome! Whatever you’re doing, keep it up!)
What are other ways you can “test” yourself?