The Bible says to the christian, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? Unless indeed you fail to meet the test” (2 Corinthians 13:5). The Apostle Paul wrote this in his letter to the Corinthian church. It was applicable then and is applicable today.
To examine oneself is to examine our desires, motives, words, and actions. How do we measure up here? Let us remember that words and actions can have dire and lasting consequences. The point of this exhortation is to ensure that, as christians, our lives are consistent and more in accordance with our faith in Jesus Christ.
Perhaps we may be self-satisfied because we have our daily devotions such as reading and studying the scriptures and allowing time for prayer. These are totally in order and 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 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).
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 to 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.
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. Let’s be honest with ourselves in the sight of God.