Each one should test their own actions.
Summary: The Bible challenges us to look in the mirror and take the log out of our own eye (Matthew 7:3). Paul applies the challenge in a slightly different way and asks us the question, “Who do we think we are?”
In our last meditation, Paul raised the question of whether or not a person is “something.” He doesn’t explain what being “something” is, but we get the impression that if you know, you know.
Let’s assume we know what Paul is talking about. I suspect that we have all seen someone who fits Paul’s words. They act and talk like they are something when they are not. Another trait of people who think they are something is that they are the first to criticize others who actually are “something.” (Go figure!)
Paul proceeds to instruct us on how to decide if we are “something” or not and, if we are, how people who are “something” should act. He begins by saying, “Each one should test their own actions.”
How, Paul? How are we to “test” our actions?
There are any number of passages in the Bible that come to mind. The first is this:
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.”
(Micah 6:8)
So here are some questions we can test ourselves by!
- Do I act justly?
To answer this question, we need to understand what justice is. Not our own idea of justice, but what God considers just.
- Do I love mercy?
This question might be easier to answer. All we have to do is think back over the past few months. How many times have we been in a situation that involved conflict? Did we ever come across someone in need? Has someone irritated us and caused us pain?
Now ask the question, “How did I respond?”
If the answer is getting mad or getting even, then you might have a ways to go on this score. If you find yourself more concerned for the person who hurt you than you are for yourself, you might be on to “something.”
- Do I walk humbly with my God?
This third test requires a bit of honest introspection. How is your walk with God? Do you think of him often? Are you constantly aware of what he wants or is he on your mind only now and then?
Walking humbly with our God requires that we are walking with God. Remember Enoch? The Bible says he walked with God (Genesis 5:22, 24). How about Noah? Remember him? The Bible says he walked with God as well (Genesis 6:9). Jesus, of course, is the gold standard of walking with God.
If we are faithful to study God’s Word, we can begin to have a good idea of what it means to walk with God. Then we can ask the question, “Am I walking humbly with my God?”
Humility is another topic altogether. Of course, Moses is the one we want to turn to for our example when it comes to being humble. In his day, he was the most humble person “on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3).
There are many other passages that could be used for a self-test. The one we just discussed is only the beginning of the tests we could apply to ourselves. When we know the Bible well enough to know the tests, we have the tools to start answering Paul’s implied question: Are we something?
Application: Take the test!
Food for Thought: What biblical tests come to your mind?
2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
The context of this passage is that there were some that questioned whether Christ was speaking in Paul. His answer to that was that they should examine whether Christ was speaking in them. In verse 1 he brings the point that “Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.” I highlight this point because, not only was this was custom in that day, but also in the context of something Jesus said in Matthew:
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Paul admonishes the believers in the Church in Corinth, and really all believers, to test whether Christ is speaking in us. He is asking us to test the source of our thoughts, words, and actions. He recognizes Christ as the Head of the body, and levels the field between them by deferring to the King. We have the Word of God, sometimes though, people can take that ball and run the wrong way down the field. Paul asks us to examine whether our thought, words, or action meet the standard of love, humility, self-sacrifice, and obedience to the Father as Christ did. He also admonishes us to gather together in Christs name, to invite His Holy Spirit into the conversation as means of testing whether Christ is in us.
Chris,
Great example! Thank you!
Your comment about taking the ball and running “the wrong way down the field” made me laugh! I love watching little kids play soccer. They get so focused on the ball that they occasionally forget which goal they are supposed to be heading for. 🙂
The fruit of the Spirit comes to mind: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. If we are regularly exhibiting these characteristics instead of the negative counterparts mentioned in Galatians 5, it might suggest that the Holy Spirit is working in our lives. It is also in the larger context of this passage.
Rich,
Welcome back! 🙂
Excellent example! As we have gone through chapter five of Galatians I have often thought of you. You are very faithful to point us to Gal 5: 22-23.
In the context you offer this passage today, each characteristic becomes a “test.”
Am I exhibiting love (agapé)?
Does my life reflect joy?
Etc …
Thank you!
Welcome back Rich!
Each one should test their own actions against God’s requirements for righteousness.:
Our lives are of eternal value only to the degree we practice being a living worship of God. We should seek consecration of every part of ourselves to God, which will bring the ultimate glory and honor to Him, as we seek to grow with hearts completely yielded to His will and his righteousness.
This is how we can show our praise beyond a song or a service. Seek this LIIFE lived out in every second of every day, every step we take and every word we say. This is the true worship that is lived out with our whole lives, our whole hearts, and the mark missed by all.
There are obstacles, forces, in our daily lives that can cloud our judgement and hinder our spiritual progress, but only if we let them.
Christians are “ God’s workmanship” created in Christ for works. good works of God?. Ephesians 2:10
1. We are called to live lives that are “holy and pleasing to God”
Romans 12:1
2. We are to demonstrate behavior that glorifies God and makes Christ real to others.
1 Corinthians 10:31
3. We are to submit to the empowerment by the Holy Spirit who enables us to do the Father’s will rather than seek to do ego works through our power.
Romans 8:9
4. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father Who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
5. We are to be obedient children, not conformed to the passions of our former ignorance, but as He Who calls us is holy, we also must be holy in all your conduct.”
1 Peter 1:14-15
6. Growth through submission is our lifelong mission. John 3:30
7. We are to be a living sacrifice as we die to the power of our flesh and grow in the power of our spirits, acts of spiritual worship of God.
Romans 12:1
Thank you, Ron!
Well done! I especially like #4. It prompts me to ask the question, “Is God’s Light shining through me today?”