Examining ourselves in light of the scriptures does just that – it keeps us from holding ourselves higher than those around us. It keeps us from developing the “I am so glad I don’t have that problem…” attitude that can actually keep us from further spiritual growth and blessings. The apostle Paul understood this very thing: For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden (Galatians 6:3-5). Without regular examination,life becomes cluttered with things that hinder our spiritual life – hurt feelings, unrepentant sins, and unmet goals – and any one or combination of these can actually interfere with my walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. Even within the Old Testament writings, Jeremiah understood and proclaimed this simple truth: Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens (Lamentations 3:40-41). Even our best intentions must bear the scrutiny of the Bible.
Examining ourselves is an important part of the ongoing process of the growth and maturing of our faith. The apostle Paul understood this and explained it: Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour (Titus 3:5-6). Within nature, regeneration is an ongoing process until the organism reaches complete restoration – an example that comes to mind is a common lizard seen in my part of the nation – the five lined skink. This lizard has the ability to regrow its tail, should it lose it while escaping from a predator. The tail does not stop regenerating until it is the exact length and size needed, regardless of how long it takes. As Christians, we continue to regenerate, to renew ourselves continually until the day we are no longer bound to the flesh and dwell eternally with the Lord Jesus Christ. It is an ongoing process – and without any examination of ourselves, we allow those things that hold us back from spiritual growth and regeneration take hold. We will reach a point where our fellowship with the Lord and other Christians is no longer as sweet, our journey harder, and the trials and temptations we face a lot tougher.
