Daily Devotional – Wednesday, August 17, 2022
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.
2 Corinthians 13:5 (NKJV)
It is easier to point out the weaknesses in other people than to see our own frailties. We see the specks in other people’s eyes but fail to identify the logs in our lives. As Jesus observed, though, we should concentrate on solving our problems before we point fingers.
Paul brought out the issue of self-examination in his second letter to the Christians in the City of Corinth. Apparently, some believers were demanding proof from Paul that Christ spoke through him (2 Corinthians 13:3).
Prove that You Whether You in the Faith
Paul, however, urged them to turn the spotlight on themselves, saying, “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.” (Verse 15). Only the individual could conduct this exercise.
When others criticize or correct us, we often become defensive and deny we are as weak as they claim. Conversely, genuine self-examination does not gloss over sin. It is looking at yourself in the mirror and acknowledging your failures and need for help.
Examine Yourself
Introspection helps us identify our weaknesses. When we spend time with ourselves reflecting on our attitudes, thoughts, words and actions, we realize our profound need of forgiveness and restoration by God.
If we analyzed ourselves more often, others would find fewer faults in us. We owe it to ourselves to conduct self-examination regularly. As the Greek Philosopher, Socrates, said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to engage in genuine self-examination and to undergo godly transformation in the process.
