Examine

<<scrutinize>>

“Ponder the path of your feet…Let us examine our ways and test them” (Prov 4:26; Lam 3:40). It is our responsibility to walk in increasing purity and divine power so ask questions such as – is this glorifying to God? Does this bring me closer to Him? These are self-regulatory monitoring measures we should take on a regular basis. We also should be in accountability to other mature Christians who as independent observers will challenge us and speak the truth into our lives if they see we are compromising in certain areas. As we have personality blind spots, we should pray, “Search me O God, and show me anything that is offensive to you” (Ps 26:2, 139:23,24). Sin and self are what hinders the flow of the Holy Spirit into and through us, and will be our downfall unless ruthlessly confronted, so continually address known obstacles so we can be all He wants us to be.

Examining infers deliberate, careful, unbiased, focused attention with the motive to come to a fuller understanding or ensure something is as it should be, or if not, a forerunner to remedial action. It is pointless knowing what is wrong if we fail to deal with the issues (Jas 1:22-24). What unbeneficial things should I be removing from my life? What qualities should I be working on developing?

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves” (2 Cor 13:5).

While we are not to judge people, we can certainly look for evidence of godly fruit in their lives for “By their fruits you will know them” (Mt 7:15-20). Do not blindly believe everything you are told or take people at face value, rather investigate and uncover what so easily can be overlooked. Besides, over time you will know which sources are factual, those prone to exaggeration or completely untrue. We should even check out what is shared from the Word of God, “searching intently”, to ensure this is what it actually says (Act 17:11; 1 Pet 1:10). The main thing, after recognizing the truth, which is not threatened by any amount of examination, is to act on it.

Scripture tells us that before taking communion, each person should examine themselves to ensure, they are in a fit spiritual condition with no unconfessed sin, or areas where Satan has a legal right to be, because of

Be a fruit inspector – especially your own

wilfully indulging in wrong habits (1 Cor 11:28).