SPIRITUAL HEART CHECK-UP (5)

“But let each one EXAMINE HIS OWN WORK, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another” – Galatians 6:4

Rejoicing is the reward of examining our Work of Faith through SPIRITUAL HEART CHECK-UP: “But let each one EXAMINE HIS OWN WORK, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another” (Gal.6:4).  God is concerned about the “heart” that represents who we are, on the inside. Just as rational people get physical check-ups, Scriptures urge us to engage in spiritual check-ups aimed at confirming the growing awareness of Christ's presence and power in our lives. Such self-evaluation will differentiate true Christians from mere imposters. Whoever is not taking active steps to grow closer to God is automatically drawing further away from Him. What distinguishes true believers from false believers is internal – it’s of the heart – and cannot be standardized to evaluate others. Each of us must inspect our own heart to see what motivates our attitudes and behaviour.

True believers are those who are motivated by Christ living within, while false believers are motivated by selfish desires. We need to engage in regular heart examination in the light of God's Word. We must rein ourselves up to the divine searchlight and x-ray, if there is any secret sin, iniquity, or idol we have not sacrificed. We must pray fervently, to not be deluded by Satan’s devices, be given up to a careless, heedless, and vain spirit, or become scarred in our conscience, trying to hide behind a religious facade.

We are charged in God’s Word: “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life" (Pro.4:23).  The unconverted heart is the habitation of evil, and it is filled with unholy thoughts, bitterness, envy, jealousy, falsehood, strife, confusion, uncontrolled passions, and every evil work.  Each person must introspect diligently to ensure that he or she is in the faith. The whole heart must be entered and purified by the searching Spirit of God. Jesus will not abide in the soul where pride resides; and if we desire His presence, the heart must be cleansed of all evil occupants. If the door of the heart is open to Jesus, He will come in, and His presence will expel every unholy thought, and by faith we may hold sweet communion with God. But, He never forces Himself on us!

In carefully considering our condition, pertinent questions that may arise include:

Am I renewed in Christ, or am I still stony at heart, with an outside camouflage of piety?

What is the state of my heart before God? What is the state of my affections toward God?

Do I devote the precious moments of each day in seeking to please myself; seeking for my own amusement?

Or, do I dedicate the prime portions of my time, talents, and treasures to the praise and service of the Most High God?

Have I helped those connected with me to greater devotion to God and to appreciate eternal things?

Do I reach out from my comfort zone, to make others edified and fulfilled in life and prepared for eternity?

Have I brought my faith into my home, to reveal the Grace of Christ in my words and in my deportment?

Do I cheerfully take up my little, daily duties, performing them with fidelity, doing my best to lighten the burdens of others?

Have I kept my lips from evil, and my tongue from speaking guile?

Have I honoured Christ my Redeemer, who gave His precious life that eternal life might be within my reach?

What kind of material am I bringing into my character-building? Is it like gold, silver, precious stones or like wood, hay, and stubble?

As we’re enabled by the Lord to examine our hearts and works, we shall be rewarded with sustained rejoicing!