Self-Examination: A Call to Holiness
In Matthew 7:3-5, Jesus profoundly addresses the human tendency to judge others harshly while neglecting our own faults:
“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.” (ESV)
It is human nature to be swift in pointing out the weaknesses and sins of others while remaining blind to our own failings. Jesus’ command to "first take the log out of your own eye" reminds us of the necessity of self-examination. The standard by which we are to examine ourselves is Christ Himself. We are called to be transformed into His likeness (Romans 8:29).
The Dangers of the Spirit of Accusation and Judgment
We must also be vigilant against the spirit of accusation and judgment within us. The spirit of accusation is one of the most evident manifestations of demonic influence. When we are overtaken by these spirits, we fail miserably in self-examination. Instead, let us humbly search for the "log" in our own eyes and seek God’s help to remove it.
Areas for Self-Examination
1. Examine Your Heart
The heart is the seat of our motives, thoughts, and emotions. As Jeremiah 17:9-10 warns:
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? ‘I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.’” (ESV)
Search your heart for:
- Unforgiveness
- Unholy motives
- Impure thoughts
- Sinful emotions
- Grudges or resentment
- Buried anger
Pray earnestly for a pure and clean heart, one that is continually renewed by the Holy Spirit.
2. Examine Your Works
Galatians 6:4 exhorts us to examine our actions:
“Let each one examine his own work. Then he can take pride in himself and not compare himself with someone else.” (NET)
We are accountable for our works, which encompass every action we take in our lives.
Search for:
- Works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21)
- Willful disobedience
Pray for purity and righteousness in every aspect of your life.
3. Examine Your Body
1 Corinthians 11:28-29 calls believers to self-examination, particularly in preparation for the Lord’s Supper:
“A person should examine himself first, and in this way let him eat the bread and drink of the cup. For the one who eats and drinks without careful regard for the body eats and drinks judgment against himself.” (NET)
The term body here refers to our physical bodies, the Church as the body of Christ, and the body of Jesus. In a world filled with temptations appealing to our five senses, many struggle to maintain self-control. Yet, Scripture reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and we are called to holiness.
Examine your five senses:
- Touch: Guard against impurity.
- Talk and Taste: Avoid gossip, harsh words, or overindulgence.
- Sight: Guard your eyes from harmful and sinful images.
- Hearing: Be cautious of what you listen to.
- Smell: Remain sensitive to how even sensory indulgence can lead astray.
Search for:
- Lack of self-control in your senses
Pray for a greater measure of self-control and sanctification in every area of your physical life.
A Final Call to Reflection
Take time in God’s presence, asking the Holy Spirit to assist you in self-examination. Repent before God and turn to Him wholeheartedly, so that your holiness may be complete:
“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1, NIV)
Through intentional self-examination, repentance, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, may we continually grow in the likeness of Christ and bring glory to His name.
Further Readings: