“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.”
Romans 12:1-3 (NAS)
Sitting at the desk of responsibility, I ask myself a series of questions about habits, attitudes, mannerisms, personality. It seems to be a study in futility. I’m asking the questions and I’m answering them. I’m like the defendant before the court who attempts to plead his own case. I’m like the sick person who attempts to diagnose his medical problems. The deeper I probe, the worse the problem becomes.
Now I know what you’re thinking: “Don’t be so hard on yourself.” This suggestion turns my thoughts to the old hymn, “There is grace for every need.” And I’m reminded that I need a lot of grace. Thank God for his grace! What kind of mess would I be in today, if it were not for his grace? An unknown author wrote: “Grace, grace, God’s grace. Grace that will pardon and cleanse within. Grace, grace, God’s grace. Grace that is greater than all our sin.” My soul magnifies the Lord for his grace! Gratefully, I shout “Hallelujah”!
Yes, there’s grace for every need! But there are also the Scriptural injunctions to examine oneself and grow in grace. We must not remain in the plains of immaturity, and the valley of spiritual adolescence. We are instructed to grow up into the full stature of Jesus Christ. So, on Monday mornings I counsel with myself about myself. What I have preached on Sunday must now be applied and practiced. Sincerely, I do not want to be cast aside after having preached God’s Word. I want taste of the sweet meat from his table. The Psalmist encouraged: “O taste and see that the Lord is good . . .” (Psa. 34:8).
So, self-examination is not so much self-abasement. Certainly not! Rather, it is a joyous walk with the Master, who by the Spirit points out my failings that he wants to correct. Even though, I examine myself, he is both my advocate and my judge. I just have to make certain that I ask the right questions and obey his instructions.
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. In our self-examinations, enable us to ask the right questions and submit ourselves to your instructions. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in Christ who transforms and renews us,