Benefits of Self-Examination
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
I have found that a daily self examination is beneficial and motivating for spiritual growth. It is a time we take an objective look at our thoughts, words, and actions for the day. Taking a daily examination can help in overcoming sinful behavior, sharpening our communications skills, improving our patience, or increasing our Bible reading.
Our daily self-examination helps us to become more Christ-like if we compare our thoughts, words, and actions to Jesus’. We can never be perfect like Jesus, but we can always be more like Jesus and reap more love, peace, and joy in our hearts. It is helpful to write down areas where we can change to be more Christ-like. Our daily self-examinations can help us improve in all areas of our life.
But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. (James 1:6) If we examine ourselves and find we have doubt, then we pray and the read the Word to determine how we can overcome doubt. If we strive to have faith without doubt and we pray for the Lord’s divine help in overcoming doubt, then it will happen.
If we settle for our current status of being Christ-like then we greatly hinder our spiritual growth. The Lord is pleased with people who are motivated to serve him and to grow spiritually. Our life is based on how we can better serve the Lord. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10) For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.(Colossians 1:16) We are each uniquely created by God, designed to do works that He created for us.
Today, take time for a daily self-examination. Set aside time in the evening to examine the events of the day. You may find your day was filled with Christ-like behavior. Examine to see how you might improve and be even more like Christ. When you do your daily self-examination, don’t condemn yourself for any reason but seek to grow spiritually and to become more like Christ. When I examine my day in thought, words, and actions, through prayer I always find areas where I can improve.
Prayer: Lord, guide me to be motivated to do a daily self-examination, seeking to be more Christ-like. Let the Spirit bring to light all areas where I can improve, and through your divine power to become more like Christ. Thank you for guiding me in the Spirit to conform to the image of your Son. In Jesus’ name, Amen