Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you - unless, of course, you fail the test? 2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV

I suspect many of you are so afraid to discover that you would not pass such a test you attempt to bulk up on outward proofs and confirmations regarding stuff that you've been told is supposed to be true. Yeah, that includes those Biblical proofs, as well. Are you not aware that this ongoing attempt has put a process in motion that will eventually leave you feeling empty and unaware of the real proof that is right in front of you? Of course, you may be very aware of the emptiness I refer to, and if so, I've got some good news for you! After all, what kind of an examination do you suppose the man who wrote the following words might have in mind?

But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself. For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord. 1 Corinthians 4:3-4

Now, if the afore-mentioned examination of the Lord seems contrary to living with a clear conscience, it's probably because you've been bamboozled by the fleshly mind that hides behind religion. Yes, you've been deceived into imagining that God bases his examination of you upon that which can be measured. Don't you realize how the religious mind promotes fleshly competition under the guise of godly living and service to God? It reveals itself every time you compare yourself to those you imagine as doing better, to those who seem more blessed, or to those who seem closer to God.

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12 NIV

If you consider yourself somewhere farther down the scale in God's eyes, I've got some good news for you, for he does not examine you according to any kind of measuring system, he examines you according to reality. And reality is found in Christ. You see, he is not deceived by appearances, for he knows the life by which you live.

Shovel-Audio

This past Sunday, Adam and I recorded another good news audio-file that we've made available to you. It ties in with the message you just read. It is entitled Looking for Confirmation. About half way through, there is a detailed discussion on the verse and subject matter in 2 Corinthians regarding the test and the examination. I hope you check it out, as I think it will encourage you greatly.