Examine, test yourself
Scripture reading: Proverbs 4:1-15. Text: “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 Scientists have been doing research on finding out how and what people are thinking about, what they are doing, saying and why? We agree that such research is justified, however, we (I) feel that we (I) should not be subjected to such a scrutiny. We are well acquainted with our own thoughts, feelings, and desires and we find nothing wrong with them. Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “EXAMINE YOURSELVES . . . TEST YOURSELVES.” As we are getting closer to the end of Lent may the word of God help us again to know ourselves better.
TO BE INTERESTED AND INVOLVED IN IT, AND BEING OBJECTIVE ABOUT IT, IS HARD.
One cannot go through life without observing, having an opinion and making decisions. Our eyes and ears constantly notice what is going on around us, our intelligence and experience evaluate what we have seen and heard, and depending how we are affected, we will react. This is normal, however, the more we are personally involved in a case or situation the less objective we are with our judgment.
There are so many sermons preached, lectures given and books written that our thinking, behavior and actions should be improved, yet seemingly not much happens. Without any question, help is needed. Christ came to heal the sick, strengthen the weak, comfort the brokenhearted, bring back the lost ones, and the church is supposed to continue this ministry.
“EXAMINE YOURSELVES . . . TEST YOURSELVES”
If during Lent we wish to reach the original purpose of fasting and hope that self-denial will result in a positive change, we should find the roots of our problems that have created heartaches and see what could be done about it? As we examine ourselves, we can find three basic influencing forces that shape our lives.
1. “You are now with child and you will have a son . . . HE WILL BE a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone . . .” Genesis 16:11-12. The angel of the Lord had said this to Hagar about her son Ishmael who was to be born.
Our TEMPERAMENT or NATURE is partially the result of our genetic makeup that we inherited from the previous generations. Parents know that within the same family children can be quite different. This can be noticed already when they are babies; one cries with anger and the other one is quiet and content. So to some extent we are what our genes made us to be.
2. “Listen, my sons, to a FATHER’S INSTRUCTION; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.” Proverbs 4:1-2
The environment, namely the family, school, friends, colleagues, neighborhood and community, mold the CHARACTER we possess. Children learn by imitating; they will try to do the same whatever they see, hear and are exposed to. If the school and the home complement each other it is a fortunate situation; however, if they contradict each other, trouble can be expected.
3. “Then the LORD said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but YOU MUST MASTER IT.'” Genesis 4:6-7
The Bible makes it clear that we can control our emotions, desires, volition and our PERSONALITY is in our own hands. It is possible to see ourselves as others perceive us, and if change is needed, we can work on it. We cannot be fatalistic and say, “I cannot help because I was born and raised in this way and it is too late to do anything about it.” Not only the past but also what is happening now can prove that many helped themselves who realized that they were on the wrong track and changed the course of their lives.
If faith, prayer, self-observation and self-correction will harmoniously take place, some unique event can happen: “The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power . . . and you will be changed into a different person.” 1 Samuel 10:6. If the divine power enters into human life miracles occur against all the odds and what could not be imagined before is now working and turning things around. Praise the Lord!
The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.