Self-Examination: Searching Your Heart Before God

This healthy evaluation is not to condemn, but rather to bring about correction and a change for the better. So “let us examine our ways, and return to the Lord” where necessary, praying with David, “Search me, O God, and point out areas in me that need dealing with” (Lam 3:40; Ps 139:23-24).

The Purpose of Self-Examination

God calls us to walk uprightly and to be rewarded according to our conduct, knowing we will give an account before God (Prov 28:18; Jer 17:10; Rom 14:12; 2 Cor 5:10). Sin in any form separates us in some measure from a holy God, but acknowledgement and confession brings renewed fellowship with Him and peace within the human soul, for if we judge ourselves (and put the matter right) we won’t need to be judged (Ps 32:1-5; Ps 51:4,12; 1 Cor 11:31).

Self-examination is always measured against God’s Word — never against the shifting opinions of the crowd or the conduct of other believers. God’s standards are consistent: they do not bend with the culture or vary from person to person, for He does not change (Mal 3:6; Heb 13:8). The Bible is the yardstick; the Holy Spirit is the searcher of hearts.

Use the Scriptures as the yardstick when considering your own conduct

Test Yourself Against God's Word

The Bible’s message is to examine and test yourself – are you a Christian? Are you just going with the crowd, or are you fully committed to walking in God’s pathway for you, regardless of others’ opinions and decisions? (2 Cor 13:5; Gal 6:4). Those who profess salvation yet lack signs of spiritual life should seriously consider the Scriptures: “He who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him…If you love me, you will obey what I command…He will punish those…who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus” (Jn 3:36; Jn 14:15; 2 Thes 1:8). Jesus warned the people of His day, “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the religious leaders, you will not enter heaven”, for it is “only he who does the will of my Father” who will enter (Mt 5:20; Mt 7:21).

We are not to be morbidly preoccupied with the flaws and wretchedness of our own lives, as revealed by the light of God. Rather bring those issues to Him, for He can bring wholeness deep into our lives, enabling us to love Him with all our being (Mk 12:30).

Do I allow the truth of the Bible to search me?

Honesty, Humility and Ongoing Growth

A key to living a joyful, victorious Christian life is total honesty, followed by taking ruthless measures to deal with what the Holy Spirit points out as sin in our life, and as revealed by the Bible, for it is as we know and apply the truth found in Jesus that we will experience freedom (Jn 8:32,36; Jas 1:23-25). While we are to be outward focused to bless others, we are also responsible to be inward looking so we can deal with the ungodliness within ourselves. Do not make excuses, but with God’s help deal with sin and character defects, for only then will we be in a position to assist others, without condemnation or comparison (Mt 7:3-5; Lk 18:9-14; 1 Jn 1:7).

Understanding we never will be perfect this side of heaven, we must not compare ourselves with other believers but only against God’s standards given in the Word, yet it is futile to look but take no remedial action (2 Cor 10:12). It is His desire that we are transformed from our selfish sinful attitudes and lifestyle to reflect more of the divine qualities (Rom 8:29; 2 Cor 3:18; Gal 5:22-23). Sanctification is a co-operative and progressive work whereby we become less entangled and overcome by sin as we grow in obedience to Him. We are instructed to put off the old way of life, replacing it with the new life in Christ, for “Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did” (Eph 4:22-24; Col 3:5-10; 1 Jn 2:6). We cannot earn our way to heaven (by our efforts) yet we should “work out our salvation” through good actions, actively growing in the grace of our Lord and Saviour and being “filled with the fruit of righteousness” (Eph 2:8-10; Phil 1:11; Phil 2:12; 2 Pet 3:18).

Being in healthy relationships also enables us to humbly receive comment or rebuke when others discern hidden faults in us. ‘The wounds of a friend’ are beneficial, with both parties blessed by their loving interaction (Ps 19:12; Prov 27:6,17).

It is imperative we examine our hearts before taking communion, to ensure there is no unconfessed sin, as otherwise we are making the sacrifice of Jesus into a meaningless ritual and will be judged for our double standard (1 Cor 11:27-32).

Reflection and Application:

Pray David’s prayer each day: “Search me, O God, and point out areas in me that need dealing with”.
Measure your conduct against Scripture, not against other believers.
Deal honestly and promptly with what the Holy Spirit points out, without excuses.
Welcome ‘the wounds of a friend’, and examine your heart before taking communion.