Self-Examination

You . . . have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. —Matthew 23:23

The proof of spiritual maturity is not how “pure” you are but your awareness of your impurity. That very awareness opens the door to God’s grace. — Philip Yancey

In the ODB this morning, I appreciated reading this reflection by Yancey. It's easy to read the New Testament accounts about the Pharisees and point our fingers at the "whitewashed tombs," but it's harder to recognize that tendency in ourselves. I often think that many Christians need to alter their view of things (myself included).

This New Covenant that binds us together and gives us the hope of eternal salvation is not one of laws and rules. It is one of grace, because we are all impure, we all are found wanting if we test ourselves. The rules that we follow have all come out of God's love for us, wanting the best for us. So, instead of earning God's love and acceptance from following the rules, God accepts us and loves us and gives us guidance that comes out of His love for us. Otherwise, by following those laws, we feel that we can earn what we can never possibly earn. And the laws we put so much emphasis on are not the most important ones. Jesus' life showed us very well that the most important things are: justice and mercy and faith. Teach me to live by these laws, Lord... and thank You for the grace that none of us deserve.

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

This is something that Brethren (and especially I myself) do a lot. Look at your life and see how you are living it. Where are you following the Lord? Where do you need to improve? Where are you not living in faith? I have to admit that recently I have found myself lacking where it comes to faith. I have been anxious and worrying about the future, when I know the Bible says that I explicitly should not do this. And yesterday reminded me that there are so many people who have much much more reason to worry... and yet they live by tremendous faith. Lord, protect them and continue to watch over them, as You have been doing. Bless them. You know the faith they have in You.

So, I spend today (International Day of Prayer) praying for many concerns of my brothers and sisters who have so many worries that are greater than my own.