The Need for Examination

This week while I was getting my yearly physical exam, I was reminded of how important it is for not just making sure we have a regular physical exam but also a spiritual exam as well.  Paul says, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.” (2 Corinthians 13:5).  Let me share a few ways spiritual examination takes place.

1. The Word of God is one of the ways the Lord uses to reveal His desire to shape us and mold us into His image and likeness.  The scripture becomes a probing instrument in the hand of the Holy Spirit, revealing our strengths and weaknesses, encouraging and convicting.  Hebrews 4:12 says, “The word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even too dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”  As we regularly stay in the word of God, it helps us live the examined life. 

2.  Another way God helps us examine our hearts is through the Holy Spirit.  The 
     Holy Spirit “searches our hearts”. (Roman 8:27).  Only God knows the heart.  We 
     need Him to reveal the hidden issues of our hearts and minds that defeat us.  Pray 
     often this prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my 
     anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way 
     everlasting” (Psalms 139: 23,24).

3.  Lastly, silence in God’s presence is a key factor in self-examination.  God 
     says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Habbakkuk 2:20 says, “The Lord is in His
     Holy Temple; let all the earth be silent before him.”  We might ask, “Where is the     
     Temple of God?”  I Corinthians 6:19 says, “Do you not know that you body is the 
     temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received form God.”  As we 
     pray and spend time with God daily, we need to take time to listen to the voice of 
     God.  He will whisper in the sanctuary of our soul words of direction, love,     
     correction, guidance, and so on and so forth according to what we need.  

Set aside time today and everyday to talk to God and allow Him to speak to your heart.  His searching of our soul will lead to new strengths.