“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you?” 2 Corinthians 13:5

Exams

I remember when I was in high school I would take a card table and a chair down into the basement to study for my exams. I shared a bedroom with my sister so there was no expectation of quiet in my room, let alone privacy. Songs would play on my little radio as I would read and write and memorize. I wanted to do well and so I prepared.

But how do I examine myself to see if I am in the faith? Am I a good judge of me? I fear that I might think I am doing better than I really am. I might come off a little “holier than thou.” Conversely, I may deem myself an abject failure when God is merely working me through some hard places. (Algebra was my hard place in high school!) It causes me to hesitate to even begin to examine myself.

But like Paul, I will be a fool for Christ and at least begin to entertain the notion of examining myself. My first thought is, does my life and my behavior line up with what I say I believe? Here are some things I think need to be evident in me:

There should be a readiness to share what God has done for me and what He means to me. My life must be transparent. Jesus should not be hidden or veiled in any way. It should always be apparent that I am a believer in any company, any situation, and any circumstance. I must always conduct myself as a Christian and let the chips fall as they may.

Prayer must be a priority. Do I seek time apart to converse with God in intimate conversation? Do I resort often to prayer?

Am I giving and generous? Jesus certainly was. Like Him, I want to be mindful of the needs of others and reach out to them. I should be meeting needs as I am able.

I should be in a fellowship with other believers–in church on a regular basis and engaged in worship, Bible study, and ministry.

I should always be willing to forgive, to extend mercy and grace, to be obedient to the word of God, to be obedient to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Do I love as He has loved me?

I believe these things should mark the life of a true believer. My list is not exhaustive. Perhaps you have additional thoughts along these lines. How are you doing? If you are like me, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

These are my aspirations. I believe these are the very things God is calling me to walk out. To examine myself keeps me mindful of this high vision, this loftier version of me. It is not legalism. God’s grace will do the work in me that I cannot do. “For do you not know yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you?” So, go ahead. Examine yourself. You just might find Jesus there.

Father, Thank You that You “grade” us with grace and mercy. You see Jesus in us. Jesus has passed this exam with flying colors and You have marked our papers with His grades! From kindergarten to our divine degree, You will teach us and counsel us and we will celebrate our glorious graduation in Your presence. Amen.