II Corinthians 13:5,6 (NKJV) Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. 6 But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified.
God knows you, knows your heart. He knows me. I know this, through study of His word and prayer and conversation with Him. By faith, I know that He knows you and He knows me.
How well do you know yourself? How well do I know myself? In verses 5 and 6 above, Paul is challenging us to do just that, examine, know yourself. Why? When you surrender your life to the lordship of Jesus Christ, you receive the Holy Spirit. God takes up residence within you. To know yourself, I mean really examine yourself, is another way expand your knowledge of who God is. It’s another way to draw closer and strengthen the relational bond we should all be striving for.
So what’s that introspection look like? What does it require? I think for starters, it takes a thoughtful evaluation of the things we do or don’t do. What are our thoughts, feelings and ultimately actions, reactions and responses? What do these things say about us? What kind of person do we see? What kind of person do other’s see?
Secondly, I believe a great deal of answers of who we are can be found in scripture. Reading the history found in the Old Testament unlocks where we’ve been and the progression of God’s grand plan. It illuminates past transgressions from which we can learn. It allows you to draw parallels between ourselves and those of antiquity, where they fell short, the results of those shortcomings and God’s response. The New Testament further shows us who Jesus is, who we are and who we should be. It softens our hearts and turns on the light. The bible helps us to know God and consequently, no more about ourselves.
Thirdly, Pray. Too often for too many of us, prayer is reserved for times of need, crises, rescue or want. Prayer should be constant, conversational, worship filled. Ask God to open our hearts that we may see, hear and feel Him more fully. I have never asked God to help me see me, my heart the way that He does. I believe my faith is very strong, growing daily, but what does God see? I haven’t been testing it, as Paul suggests.
Heavenly Father, show me what you see, Lord. Open my eyes and heart to what you see so that I may draw closer to you Lord. Amen
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy,
Scott Pace
