Every 3000 miles our cars have to be checked. Oil, fluids, tire rotation, brakes, etc... As disciples we should also examine ourselves. We need a check up every now and again. Introspection is great and sorely needed. Why? I'm glad you asked... Because the Bible says so.
2 Corinthians 13:5 "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?"
Here's something to consider. You might not be in the faith. Here, Paul says, "Test yourself to see if you are in the faith", examine yourself... Think about that.
So what does the test look like? It's your life... Or rather the proof of your response to the test question is found in how you live every day. The bible says that we are known by our fruit. (Matt 12:33) In other words, our actions really say whether or not we are Christians. Now, so that we are not confused, I am not talking about salvation. I'm specifically talking about being a follower of Christ, a disciple, a person who has not only been saved by grace, but transformed by His blood, into a new creature.
What do our answers look like? Are we saying one thing, yet living another? Do we live differently on Sunday mornings than the other days of the week? Are we so focused on others' issues that we don't recognize the plank in our own eyes? Are we erecting facades to fool the world?
Authentic change requires work. It's not an event; it is a PROCESS. It requires periodic self examinations, accountability, sound doctrine by which to pattern our lives, and complete and total surrender.
Take the test. Examine yourself and grade your responses, and see where you stand.
What do our answers look like? Are we saying one thing, yet living another? Do we live differently on Sunday mornings than the other days of the week? Are we so focused on others' issues that we don't recognize the plank in our own eyes? Are we erecting facades to fool the world?
Authentic change requires work. It's not an event; it is a PROCESS. It requires periodic self examinations, accountability, sound doctrine by which to pattern our lives, and complete and total surrender.
Take the test. Examine yourself and grade your responses, and see where you stand.
I love you, and I am praying for you.
~Pastor Erroyl
SALT
~Pastor Erroyl
SALT
Sis Pinky's Prayer:
Father, I am a sinner saved by grace. I pray that You would continue to remind me to examine myself to see if indeed I am living a life that is fruitful. I thank you Jesus, for dying so that I may have an abundant life. Help me to not let your dying for me be in vain.
In Jesus' name I pray, Amen
