SELF-EXAMINATION

To examine ourselves is to do just that – examine ourselves!  It's so easy to compare what we do with what others do, and then we begin comparing ourselves with them.  However, God wants to free us to live in the truth of who we truly are and where we need to exercise His truth and grace to live a better life.  The focus of any self-examination must be squarely focused on ourselves.

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.  (Galatians 6:4 NLT)

When we examine ourselves, it is important to make a judgment both on what is good and what is harmful.  Judgment is not about condemning and accusing.  A healthy self-examination is best described as taking an inventory -- whether it is the Alcoholics Anonymous Step 4 version or a daily Step 10 review. Harmful things we uncover should be abandoned immediately.  Other things we need to keep, no matter how challenged they make us feel. There are some things in our lives that we need to bring before God and perhaps discuss with knowledgeable friends who will help us observe, perhaps over time, whether these things are harmful or helpful for us. 

Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. (Romans 12:3b, 1 Thessalonians 5:21 NLT

One of the great benefits of living in conscious contact with God is that He can reveal what is buried deep in our hearts.  He knows us best and loves us most.  He alone knows the manner and time those things are best dealt with--particularly things deep within that we have covered up, but which cause us to fail repeatedly. 

How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.  (Psalm 19:12-13 NLT)

Prayer:  Loving God, Help me to see myself as You see me.  Give me a willing heart to admit where my shortcomings lie and the grace to acknowledge the gifts that you have given me.  Grant me the humility I need to learn from You and from others who are mature in their walk with You.  Please expose anything in me that needs to be brought to light and changed. Amen