Faith & Reason Nexus

As Christians, it is essential to regularly examine our lives to ensure that we are living in a way that honors God. The Bible encourages us to evaluate different aspects of our lives so that we can grow spiritually and stay on the path of righteousness. Here are several key areas to examine according to Scripture:

1. Examine Your Thoughts

Our thoughts play a pivotal role in shaping our actions and attitudes. It’s crucial to evaluate whether our thoughts align with God’s truth and purity.

• Proverbs 23:7: “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”
• Psalm 10:4: “The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.”
• 2 Corinthians 10:5: “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”
• Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report… think on these things.”

2. Examine Your Company

The people we surround ourselves with can greatly influence our walk with God. We are called to avoid negative influences and seek fellowship with believers who encourage spiritual growth.

• Psalm 1:1-2: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord.”
• Proverbs 13:20: “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.”
• 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’”
• 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15: “And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.”
• 2 Samuel 13:3: “But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah… and Jonadab was a very crafty man.”

3. Examine Your Affections

Our affections reflect what we value and prioritize. We are called to set our hearts on things above rather than earthly things.

• Colossians 3:1-2: “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
• Romans 8:6: “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
• Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”
• Galatians 5:24: “And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

4. Examine Your Habits

The habits we form shape our character and our witness. We must evaluate whether our habits glorify God and help us grow in holiness.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:22: “Abstain from every form of evil.”
• 1 Peter 2:11: “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul.”
• Hebrews 10:25: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another…”
• Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

5. Examine Your Motives

It’s not just about what we do, but why we do it. We should examine whether our actions are driven by a sincere desire to please God or by selfish motives.

• Matthew 6:1-2, 5: “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them… and when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites.”
• Philippians 1:15-17: “Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill…”
• 1 Corinthians 10:31: “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

6. Examine Your Aspirations

What are your goals and desires in life? Our aspirations should reflect a desire to know God more fully and to fulfill His will for our lives.

• Philippians 3:13-14: “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
• Romans 10:1: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.”
• Hebrews 6:1; 11:10: “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection… for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”
• Philippians 1:21: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Are You Passing the Examinations?

As believers, self-examination is a vital part of our spiritual growth. Through regular reflection on our thoughts, company, affections, habits, motives, and aspirations, we can align our lives with God’s will. This process helps us grow closer to Christ and live lives that are pleasing to Him. Examine yourself regularly, and with God’s help, continue to grow in faith and obedience.