I recently posted that I live in Arizona. The sun shines here over 350 days/year. So, I constantly out in the sunshine. It so happens that the exposure to the sun yields so not so good results. I’ve had lots of skin cancers including a melanoma which for you neophytes is a pretty serious cancer. All is good, however. Because I am now in the regular habit of “examining myself” to see if there’s anything popping that looks suspicious.
I recently made another regular appointment with my dermatologist and I got to thinking. Regular examinations are lifesavers…literally. Do you know what’s funny? Because many of my friends know my “skin history”, they will often come to me and say, “Hey Bob, I’ve got this weird spot on my arm…what do you think it is?” Every time I respond the same, “Go and talk to a doctor.” Better safe than sorry!
Now take my history and let’s make a spiritual application. The Apostle Paul says in 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! That statement is an imperative. Like the Nike commercial, he says “Just do it!” Do a examine, not of your body, but of your whole life…your core.
Look at deeply at your heart attitudes, your actions, and reactions. Ask God to help you. Cut through any phoniness. Cut through any façade and what do you see. It can be revealing. It can cause you to ask for God’s help and grace to set things right if you’re off course. He (like any good doctor) can do what is necessary to keep you healthy. Be honest. Examine yourself. You just might extend your effectiveness as a Christ-follower.