Examine Yourselves

Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” If there was ever a man that reflected the person of Christ on this earth it was Socrates. Socrates never had the opportunity of hearing or reading about our Lord and savior but possessed many qualities that would have conformed him to the image of Jesus that would be incarcerated around 500 years later. Socrates, unlike Jesus, was not a perfect man but pursued the moral life and the meaningful life. Like Jesus, he was rejected for his moral teachings. If Socrates would have been born after Jesus, I believe he would have become a Christian and followed of Jesus Christ.

Socrates idea of the examined life falls in line with the Biblical idea. The Psalmist David stressed the importance of the examines life when he asks God to “search him and know his heart.” (Psalms 139:1; 24,25) Paul in the New Testament twice encouraged the Corinthian believers to examine themselves. Once before partaking of the Lords Supper (1 Corinthians 11:28) and secondly in response to their criticism of his ministry. (2 Corinthians 13:5)

It is so important to us as Christians to put ourselves under the microscope of the scriptures so as to make sure we are in good standing with the Lord. We can so easily deceive ourselves, excuse ourselves, and overlook ourselves. The biggest danger is judging ourselves in the light of others instead of the standard of life that has been exemplified unto us in the person of Christ. He is not just our savior, but He also is our example, and we are to do as Peter said, we are to “follow in his steps.” (1Peter 2:21)

Finally, Peter also tells us that our vision can become blurred and forget that we have been purged of our sins by not building up and adding our faith. He mentions excellencies or what we call virtues in 2 Peter 1:5-7 and if these qualities are in us, we will be effective and fruitful and never fail. (Verse 8) But if these qualities are not in our daily lives, then that is when we become blind and unfruitful. The remedy according to Peter is simple. We need to “make sure that our calling and election is confirmed.” (Verse 10) How do we do this? We examine ourselves. It is of supreme importance.

We will find out in the day of judgement how important an examined Christian life is. God will judge us according to our works and His judgment will be just and fair. Let that be our attitude as well. Let us judge ourselves justly and fairly that we may be able stand before Him without fear.

For further study read 1 John 3:19-22

Pastor Robby