“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

E is for Examine

Examine—to inspect or scrutinize carefully, to test the knowledge, reactions or qualifications of (a pupil, candidate, etc.) as by questions or assigning tasks, interrogate

It is that time of year for college final exams in my house. All the grueling class work, homework and studying comes to an end and my daughter will find out how well she knew and understood the material taught.

God, too, sets seasons, times, and reasons for examination.

Before taking communion:

“So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves” (1 Corinthians 11:27-29 NIV).

While in His holy temple:

 “The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; His eyes examine them. The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, He hates with a passion. On the wicked He will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. For the LORD is righteous, He loves justice; the upright will see His face” (Psalm 11:4-7 NIV).

At night:

“Though You probe my heart, though You examine me at night and test me, You will find that I have planned no evil; my mouth has not transgressed” (Psalm 17:3 NIV).

Our hearts and minds:

“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? ‘I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve’” (Jeremiah 17:9-10 NIV).

To return to the LORD:

“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD” (Lamentations 3:40 NIV).

As the Resurrection season is upon us, let’s examine ourselves and make sure we pass the test!

Father, thank You that you examine us and help us to examine ourselves. May we take care of business with You so that we can pass the test. In Jesus’ name, amen.