Have you ever thought about writing a memo to yourself? Not just any memo but a spiritually inspired memo to check upon yourself to ascertain how well you are running the Christian race. In his letter to the Church at Corinth, the Apostle Paul writes, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test” (2 Corinthians 13:5). The content of this letter was applicable to the Church then in Paul’s day as it is also applicable to the Church today. As Christians, we need to take a survey of things in our individual lives to see how well we are living up to God’s expectation of us.
To examine oneself involves checking our desires, motives, words, actions, and even our reactions to “issues” that may confront us from time to time. And also to see whether they are inline with God’s word. The point of Paul’s exhortation is to ensure that, as Christians, our lives are consistent and in accordance with our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His word.
Perhaps we may become self-satisfied because we have our daily devotions, such as reading and studying the scriptures and allowing time for prayer. These are appropriate and in order and very essential to godly living. However, we just can’t stop here. At times it is what we are not doing that matters and demand our undivided attention for action.
In his daily devotions “authentic Christianity,” Ray Stedmam wrote, “When we are out of line with Christian standards we have to ask ourselves, “Am I a true Christian, or am I a counterfeit? Have I been born again, or am I only putting up a front?” Those of us who are Christians ought to ask ourselves that occasionally. It is a good idea to examine yourself, especially if there is any kind of wrong behavior involved… A true Christian is someone in whom Christ dwells. And the person in whom Christ dwells will have certain inescapable evidence of that fact given to him or her. Paul is suggesting that we ask ourselves if we have the evidence that Jesus Christ lives in us.” (RayStedman.org). Mr Stedman is absolutely right. It is appropriate to ask ourselves these questions.
Jesus gave a parable of those men who refused to attend a great supper. One of them gave as his reason for declining the invitation by saying, ”I bought 5 yoke of oxen and I go to prove them.” (Luke 14:19). This man was absolutely right. How else would he know of the animals’ performance. How much more do we need to “examine and prove ourselves whether we are in the faith.” Christianity requires action not just words or platitudes.
Self-examination is of the utmost importance for believers in Christ. It is also the best way to rid ourselves of fear and doubt, “that we may be blameless in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation” (Philippians 2:15). We certainly don’t want to be “weighed in God’s balances” and found wanting. Neither do we want to be “Lukewarm” or “wishy-washy” christians who are not fully committed to allow the indwelling Holy Spirt to have total control of our lives. In His message to the Laodicean Church, in its final state of apostasy. The Lord Jesus told them: “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth” Revelation 3:15,16). Lukewarm christianity leads to complacency and self-satisfaction.
Here are some sample self-examination questions, with Biblical answers you may want to ask yourself. Am I devoting adequate time for prayer? “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16). How often do I study God’s word? “Study to show yourself approved unto God” (2 Timothy 2:15). Am I consistent in my church attendance? “Do not neglect to meet together … but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:25). Do I have “idols” that affect my love for God? “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). You may have other self-examination questions in mind that needs to be included in your “Memo to Self.” Let’s be honest with ourselves in the sight of God. He looks at us from the inside out—our innermost being.
In the rebuilding of the temple, God commanded the people through the prophet Haggai to “Consider your ways” because of their disobedience. We need to do likewise today to ensure that we heading in the right direction. Our lives must be absolutely in line with the truth of God’s word. May each of us heed the command to “consider our ways” or “examine ourselves” to see whether we are in the faith.” This can be accomplished through much prayer and our undivided attention to God’s word. “Give diligence to make your call sure” (2 Peter 1:10).