EXAMINATION

By Rick Mathes

1 Corinthians 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

There is nothing wrong with me asking, “How do you know you are really a Christian.” Better yet are the two Evangelism Explosion questions: 1) Do you know for certain that if you were to die tonight that you would go directly to heaven?” or 2) If you were to stand before Jesus and He were to ask you, “Why should I allow you into my heaven?” what would you say?

Certainly a pre-examination before you would die or meet Jesus would be in order. Now understand, we are not to judge whether someone is going to heaven or hell but it is appropriate to do a personal inventory of how we measure our commitment to Him.

I would start by looking at those I hang out with. The old adage, “Birds of a feather flock together.” I would sure hope that if you spotted me in a group of sinner it would be real clear to you and to them that I am a Christian in good standing with Him not the Pope or some other natural person who claims he speaks for.

I have often quipped, “Why should we really get to know each other and ruin a perfectly good relationship?” Sad but true that the habits we have in public differ from those we entertain in private. Do we really think that those private little sins we drag out when no one is looking escape the notice of Jesus?

What if you had a TV screen on your fore-head and your ears were wrap-around speakers and everyone could see and hear what you are thinking? I’m getting cold chills just writing this and thinking about it!

How about if everyone knew what your real love and enjoy such as lusting and mentally undressing women and imagining erotic love affairs?

Let’s not leave out the major weakness which is your motive to love and enjoy those things that please the Lord. When you do you have moved from carnal religion (relative liberalism) to a godly relationship with your Savior (conservative dogma).

I know that as long as I live 51% or better to please Jesus with all my senses, I will have passed the exam. Will you?