Examine Yourselves

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Scripture

2Cor. 13:5   Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless, indeed, you fail to meet the test!

Observation

We are encouraged to manage our physical health and have regular check-ups. The same is true for our spiritual lives. We must take time out and examine ourselves from a spiritual perspective. We are to test ourselves and this relates to Christ living in us. Does Christ actually live in us, or is Christ being reflecting in our actions/reactions/comments? Unless Christ is reflected in the ways in which we do things, then we fail to meet the test.

Application

The Jesus test. That’s a hard one at times because there are times when we don’t want to act and/or react in the same way that Christ would have responded! The emotions of the moment can sweep us away and suddenly we end up in a place that we had not intended. I think Paul understood that and that’s why we find this verse.

Stop — examine what’s happening. How are you acting and/or reacting to what is happening around you? Stop looking at others for a few moments, and examine yourself. Can Christ still be seen in you? That’s what Paul is saying to the Corinthians.

And then the subtle warning — Christ is in you, unless you fail the test. When Christ is not reflected in your behavior and/or actions, then you fail and it’s time to make readjustments.

Christ in us — this is our hope. Christ — he is our focus. Being like Christ — this is our goal. Examine yourself today and see how you do on the test.

Prayer

Lord, please help me be like you today. Amen.

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