Assess

The ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates, is famous for saying that, “…The unexamined life is not worth living…” But, the idea of an examined life is not just a slightly fatalistic philosophical dictum, it is an often-neglected Biblical mandate.

In both his letters to the Corinthians, Paul challenged the believers to examine themselves.

Firstly, he wrote, “…Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat the bread and drink from the cup…” (1 Corinthians 11:28); and secondly, he wrote, “…Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves…” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

These requirements are vital for the preacher. We must often examine our relationship with Christ, our growth in our gift, and our commitment to our calling. We must hold ourselves up to the light and assess our value – and our flaws.

As Paul wrote to Timothy, “…Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers…”(1 Timothy 4:15-16).

Do we examine ourselves regularly?

Do we remind ourselves of our calling every time we preach?

Can people see our progress from year to year? 

Robert