A Good Hard Look at You

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:5 New King James Version (NKJV) - Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.

When was the last time you took a good look in the mirror? The older I become, the more details I miss when taking a quick glance. A more careful examination would reveal minor wrinkles, Frankenstein-like moles, rogue grey mustache hairs, and other esoteric flaws too embarrassing to name. But what if we were to examine our spiritual lives with even greater detail?  Can you determine your spiritual temperament? Do we handle life’s tests spiritually or carnally?  Are you nailing this spiritual walk or missing the mark?

The standard for any spiritual assessment is the Bible and the imperative in 2 Corinthians 13:5 is to examine yourself. The scripture answers why -- to see if you believe in the Gospel you espouse. As we grow in Christ it is inevitable that our beliefs will be challenged by strongholds, arguments, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5) So why the challenge? What’s the purpose? To test the genuineness of your faith, that it may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, (1 Peter 1:7).  The purpose is not to inform God, but to inform us. We need to know the true condition of our heart and we’ve already been told in Jeremiah 17:9 that our “heart is deceitful and desperately wicked-who can know it.” I agree! Have you considered the things you think about when you let your mind wander?  Cleanse me with hyssop, LORD! It’s our daily duty to examine our walk, to take a hard look at our lives through the lens of the Bible. Is the praise of and glory of Jesus my motivation, my aim? Life’s tests will prove us.  Isn’t it true that after every test you look for your grade?  I don’t care how badly you thought you did, you look to that top right corner for that grade. How did I do? After every spiritual test the Holy Spirit confirms the outcome, for the Spirit knows the things of man and it’s the Spirit who searches the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:11).  Once we realize the outcome of our test we either rejoice and praise Jesus for our spiritual growth, repent and wince at how far we must go, or throw our hands in the air in defeat. The last choice is never an option-you will experience apathy, irrelevance, and doubt-all of which are the antithesis of faith.  Embrace the examination and recognize that every conflict and trial is a test. Next time you look in the mirror ditch the wrinkle search and ask 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,”.

Prayer:  Jesus, thank You for the mirror of Your Word. It reflects and reveals the true me that I often don’t want to see. Forgive me when I boldly proclaim, “It’s just the way I am” without regard to Your standard to “be holy, for I am holy.” You have set us apart for Your glory. As you allow every test and trial, I pray that I can see Your hand, purpose, and plan as You continue to conform me into Your image.  Thank you for never giving up on me. I love you, Jesus. Amen

(by Paula Smith)