Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 252 – 2 Corinthians 13:5 – Examine Yourselves To See – Growing As Disciples
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)
Examine
At one time that was a scary word. What was a scary word? Examine, was a scary word. The idea that I would invite you to examine my life was a scary thought. The thought that together we might both take a close look at life made me very uncomfortable. Why is that? I was afraid of what might you and I might find. Do you think that anything from your life remains hidden from me? Is any one of your thoughts or words or actions a secret to me? No, I am certain that nothing about my thoughts or words or actions can remain hidden to you. Everything about me is like an open book to you. On top of that, you are a speed reader. You know my thoughts before I think them. You know my words before I speak them. You know my actions before I take them. Yes, I do. That is true.
Are you no longer scared of your life being under my and your examination? No, I am not. Why is that? First of all, it makes no sense to hide what we both know to be true. Which is? I am a sinner. I have sinned. I will sin. But it is also true you have forgiven and cleansed me of my sin. You have made me to be righteous in your eyes. You are now my Savior and Lord. You are leading and guiding my life. You are molding and shaping me into the person you want me to become. You are making me into your masterpiece. Yes, I have done all these things for you. Yes, I will continue to do all these things for you. So, it is my joy to welcome your work in my life. Any changes you want to make in me will be for your kingdom and glory. You want to help me to live the life you have called me to live. Yes, I do. Why would I be afraid of that? Why would I not welcome that? Why would I not want what you want. Second by second, minute by minute and day by day, I want to become more like you. So yes, I welcome your examination of my life. Let’s you and I take a close look at my life together. Show me what you want me to see. Change what you want to change. Make me more like you as I love, follow and serve you. Yes, I will. You can count on me to do that in you, with you and for you. Let this all be for your kingdom and glory so I can shine brightly for you. That will be very good. Thank you, Lord.
Lord, I know I am not living a perfect life. I know I sin in my thoughts, words and actions. It is my desire to live a life that is pleasing to you. Help me to examine myself. Help me to turn from sin and keep on passionately loving and following and serving you. Amen
Key Question… How are you examining your thoughts, words and deeds to see if they are in alignment with Christ?
Living It Out… Make it your regular, end of the day practice, to examine yourself as you love, follow and serve the Lord.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to examine yourself as you love, follow and serve Him.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are regularly examining yourself as you follow and serve Him.
Prayer To Bless Others… May you examine yourself as you love, follow and serve the Lord.
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