Self Examination and Being a Christian on Purpose
by Teresa (1,500)
Freelance writer/Speaker
" Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Prove yourselves. Do you not know yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you? - Unless indeed you are disqualified " 2 Corinthians 13:5
Lest my usage of this passage be misunderstood, let me explain. This passage in its full context has little to do with the external works that we do to prove our Christianity. It does however, have everything to do with our internal attitudes and what we purpose to do in our hearts.
Paul says examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith - what does this mean? It implies a position of surrender; trusting something other than ourselves. In this case, trusting Christ.
" Do you not know yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you? " - This Paul asks at the end of his letter to the church in Corinth after he has spent a lot of time discussing the heart of a true believer. Their position in Christ, the freedom they receive from sin, and most importantly, the opportunity to begin anew. The key word being " begin " .
As Christians, it's not enough to confess with our mouth that we are believers - how we are as a person- from our motives to our actions will speak volumes to on-lookers, but more importantly, will never fool God. Sometimes it would seem that the faith some professed believers have is that God will overlook their thoughts and actions and let them into heaven no matter how they lived their life.
This is a tragedy. The question, " Do you not know yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you " is not to be taken lightly. This should cause each of us to examine our walk with God - are we even moving? Are we farther away from the " old man " today than we were a year ago?
Paul tells us to put on the new man - this requires an action that we must purpose to do. Being a Christian isn't something we call ourselves, it's something we do. If we are not going forward, it's quite possible we are going backward.
What direction are you going?
Today let's be a Christian on purpose so that tomorrow we will look a little more like Christ.
Keep Your children moving forward Lord Jesus, forgive us when we slip away, and give us eyes to see and ears to hear your sweet conviction when this is true of us.
Article submitted Wednesday, February 03, 2010 & read 340 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by Marijo Phelps from mountain meadow (32 days 21 hours ago.)
Amen! Thanks for challenging us to take a look - MarijoRespond to this comment
» left by Linda DeWitt (29 days 16 hours ago.)
Somehow I've missed your writings and was so glad to receive the notice on this piece. Ah, daily discipline lest I forget. Thanks for sharing. God Bless Linda DRespond to this comment
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