SEARCHLIGHT
How often do you take some time to look within?
SCRIPTURE
Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord. Lamentations 3:40 NIV
SPOTLIGHT
When it comes to physical health, there have been many times I have been asked by my doctors “Have you noticed any changes in your health? Have you detected any bumps or lumps? etc.” They have been expecting me to examine myself. It was my responsibility to beware of abnormal changes in my health.
The same is true for spiritual health. The Bible urges Christians to keep watch on their walk with God. In today’s Scripture focus, the Message translates Lamentations 3:40 this way:
“Let’s take a good look at the way we’re living and reorder our lives under God.” Christians are directed to 1. Examine and test your walk with God and to 2. Repent and return to a right relationship with God.
This is not just a stand-alone verse in the Scriptures. God’s Word is very clear about Christians taking inventory of their walk with God. David, who is described as the man after God’s own heart, prayed, “Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and mind.” [Psalm 26:2 NIV] At another time, David said, “Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be quiet.” [Psalm 4:4 NIV] And one of the Bible’s most quoted prayers comes from David when he said, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” [Psalm 139:23 NIV]
IS IT TIME TO EXAMINE AND REORDER? The answer is a resounding “YES!” God’s Word is very clear that Christians should regularly examine and reorder their lives. The Apostle Paul told the Corinthian believers to do this every time they celebrated communion. “Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.”
[1 Corinthian 11:28 NIV] In his second letter to the Corinthian believers, he clearly spelled out the importance of shining a personal searchlight on themselves when he said, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you-unless, of course, you fail the test?” [2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV]
Self-examination is so needed. As a believer, you are “in the faith” and want to stay in the faith. Jesus Christ lives within you. However, you are continually challenged and tempted to live as the world lives. Today’s society encourages the following:
- self-absorption which means me, me, me;
- self-indulgence which means me want;
- self- projection which means me against thee;
- self-pity which means me hurt;
- self-seeking which means me get.
Here is the bottom line. One word summarizes everything. It is so easy to fall into the trap of self-centeredness which means me focused. Living is not all about me. God created you to bring glory to Him!
You need to invite the Holy Spirit to shine His light upon the areas of your life that need to change so you will become more Christ-like. You can discuss the problems facing you, project reasons why things are the way they are, complain that it is unjust and unfair, and you can even criticize others for those problems. However, one thing is necessary. You need to look within. This is very difficult. It is not something that you tend to do first. It is easy to look elsewhere before looking within. This is why it is so important to examine yourself – your conduct, your emotions, your opinions, and your behavior. How do you live? Be a detective! Draw some conclusions and, when needed, repent.
Self-examination leads to conviction which leads to repentance which leads to returning to complete fellowship with God. Look below your surface. Loving God will lead you to ask God if there is anything in your life that needs to go. Job prayed that God would show him how authentic he was or wasn’t. [Job 31:6]
To begin your self-examination, ask yourself these test questions:
- Is there anything that I do which grieves God? Is there anything that may be unholy?
- Do I honor Jesus Christ through my behavior? Are my words and deeds Christ-like?
- Do I live a life of gratitude to God for saving me, turning me around and putting my feet on solid ground?
- Are any of my troubles caused by sinful ways?
- Am I forgiving people just as I have been forgiven by God?
Living is not about me. Living is being in right relationship with my Creator. From this day forward, never just go through the motions of communion. Instead, celebrate communion knowing this time of heart searching will draw you closer to your Heavenly Father. Reflection will lead to repentance which will lead to returning to loving God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, all your strength and loving your neighbor as yourself.
SOMETHING TO DO
Take some alone, quiet time to ask yourself the 5 questions previously mentioned. Use a pen and paper to write down thoughts which the Holy Spirit will reveal to you. End this time with a time of prayer.
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I want nothing in my life which will keep me from honoring You. In my times of self-examination, show me where to change in light of what Your Word teaches. And empower me to do so! AMEN!