As we look back on the Passover season, we have a reminder of an important process that should continue throughout the entire year—self-examination .
God placed the Passover at the beginning of the annual festivals (Leviticus 23:4-5). In 1 Corinthians 11:27-29, Paul urges members to examine themselves before partaking of the Passover. This doesn't come naturally. Would many of us consider self-examination without this admonition? God wants us to examine ourselves so we can see ourselves as He views us.
Examination of our lives can easily come to a halt after Passover. Webster's dictionary defines examination as "to inspect closely; to inquire into carefully; to test by questioning, to determine progress; to explore, with a view to discover the truth."
Wouldn't God want us to continue this process throughout the year? Could our outlook on God's plan become clearer and our spiritual growth deepen if we continued to use God's method for evaluating ourselves? The clear answer to both questions is yes!
To know where we stand before God, we should periodically ask our Father to reveal His perspective of us. This is in addition to our daily scrutinizing. Occasionally, all of us need a deeper and more thorough self-examination, like the exams we had at school to show our progress. A teacher can use tests to open the eyes of the students so they can better visualize where they stand. In much the same way, God wants each of us to see clearly how we look through His eyes.
Teachers evaluate their students' progress all year long to aid the students in following the objectives of the teacher and the textbook. God wants us to examine ourselves on a regular basis by following His guidelines in His textbook, the Bible.
Many textbooks are flawed, but God's is perfect! "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
By asking God to help us in determining a schedule for regular examination, each of us can obtain a proper balance.
Why does God want us to see His view? Simply, it is because His perception of us is perfect! The latter half of 1 Samuel 16:7 states, "For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
Ultimately, God is our Judge; therefore, if we clearly see His outlook of us, then we will know exactly where we stand! When we are deceived, our vision is out of focus and our distorted view usually tends to make us look better in our own eyes. We are not to think too highly of ourselves, but soberly (Romans 12:3).
Let's use God's Word to test ourselves and prove how we should be living our lives (Romans 12:2). This process is one that we can't afford to overlook. Why should we wait until next Passover before examining ourselves again?
In learning to become God's children, it's important to allow our Father to help us in all areas. He requires us to overcome, but how do we repent of sins that we cannot see clearly? God is showing us a way!
Throughout this coming year, strive to build a better habit of self-examination. Only with God's help can we successfully see where we stand before Him. May we all continue to grow in God's grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18)!
