If we as Christians believe that the Bible truly is the inspired Word of God we must adhere to it. Studying its pages to see the ways in which we are supposed to live. As well as the ways we are not supposed to live. But we cannot simply read and know the right way to live. We must actually put it into action in our lives. Which requires constant self evaluation.
At times everyone must step back and really look over their life. Comparing the way they have been living to the lifestyle that is laid out as an example in scripture. To see whether or not their way of living is leading to salvation or destruction.
1 Corinthians 6:9–10 (ESV)
9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
2 Timothy 3:1–5 (ESV)
1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
Both of these scriptures are great places to start when it comes to self evaluation. In First Corinthians, Paul speaks of various lifestyles and actions. Which will keep you from being able to enter Heaven. Instead, they will lead you down the path to destruction.
Then in Second Timothy Paul lists the characteristics that will be prominently displayed by those who are lost in the last days. He does not simply say that we should not be like those people but that we should stay away from people like that.
When we are looking to evaluate ourselves we should turn to these scriptures and the many others just like them. So we can find the ways we are not called to live and see if any of these traits are presenting themselves in our life. If so we must take the next step of self evaluation and address the issues we have discovered. By replacing any sinful trait or action with a godly one.
Galatians 5:22–24 (ESV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Colossians 3:12–15 (ESV)
12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
James 1:19 (ESV)
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
Luke 6:30 (ESV)
30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.
It those verses and many others like them that play the greatest role in self evaluation. Because each verse lays out the characteristics that should be present in the life of every Christian. Traits that should be brought into our lives over sinful ones.
Please understand that self evaluation is not about trying to quickly start living a perfect life. It is meant to show you where you are as a Christian. While helping you to always continue to grow and mature. It’s so important that we take time to periodically check that our feet are firmly planted on the path that leads to Heaven. This also gives us the opportunity to course-correct if we find that we have started to stumble.
Matthew 7:13–14 (ESV)
13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
All these being said be sure to always keep the evaluating to yourself. Meaning never take it upon yourself to evaluate the life of another. The Bible never gives us cause to interject ourselves into the life of another’s problems. In fact, we are told to address our own issues so we can see clearly. Nor do we have the right to cast judgment. That right and responsibility are the Lords alone.
Matthew 7:3–5 (ESV)
3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
James 4:12 (ESV)
12 There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?
How often should someone self evaluate? That’s a tough question to answer. Because it is very possible to not take inventory of your life often enough. But at the same time, it is also easy to do it too much and miss out on simply living out your faith. A great rule of thumb is to simply practice self evaluation while you read the Bible.
As you come across a passage that describes an ungodly lifestyle. pause for a moment and ask yourself am I living like that? Then address the issue if necessary. The same can be said for passages that describe a godly characteristic. Compare that to your life as well and see if that characteristic is showing itself in your life. If not pray and work to live the life God wants you to live.
However, you chose to do it just be sure that you take the time to look over your life. And really take note of the way you have been living. It is the very simple practice of self evaluation that could keep you from returning to a life of sin. Just remember to always compare your life to scripture and not to the lives of others.
Help us to expose others to the need for self evaluation by sharing this article. It could be the very thing that someone if your life needs to see today. Thanks for reading and God Bless!
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