8/18 2 Corinthians 13:5

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!

We have the capacity to justify almost anything we do. Politicians come up with some of the most convoluted ones, but every man and woman does the same to some extent. Modern culture encourages our propensity to make excuses for our behavior. The Christian must be careful to watch that he or she does not fall into this pattern to justify the carnal nature.

Our verse for today is the daily mindset of the diligent believer. We must continually examine ourselves to see if our old nature is justifying a compromise in our spiritual life. Christ is in us or He isn't. If He is truly in us, we will be uncomfortable with compromise. If we can walk in sin and not be disturbed, we may not have had a true conversion. Jesus may not have yet taken up residence in us. How many people say they are Christians but live like the world? What is their destiny if they do not repent and accept Jesus as Lord?

We can see two reasons for this continual examination. We must be certain that we have truly been converted. We must then test ourselves to see that we are walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25). The first is eternal life or death. The second is life in this present evil world (Galatians 1:4).

Consider: Take some time in prayer to review your speech and actions from yesterday and your plans for today. Are you in the faith?