At the end of his passionate letter, Paul issues a challenge to the Corinthians: “Examine ourselves to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves” (2Cor 13:5). Such words stir up my heart, and it’s time to ask ourselves some questions too.
Do we realize that Christ Jesus is in us (13:5)? Of course we do, for this is what we received when we recited the “sinner’s prayer”. But, wait a minute. I cannot seem to find him inside of me now. Otherwise, I would not have been so worried when I learned about my illness, for he told me not to worry about my life (Mt 6:25). I would not have been so harsh against my wife, for he told me to love her and give my life for her (Eph 5:25). And I would not have been so critical about my brothers and sisters in the Lord, for he told me that if we love one another, then God lives in us (1Jn 4:12). Do I have Jesus in me or not?
Do we do everything for the truth (13:8)? Of course we do, for Jesus is the truth and we learn about it every Sunday. But, wait a minute. I can’t seem to find my Bible now. I wanted to come to church every Sunday to worship God (Heb 10:25), but sometimes I am just too tired. I wanted to read my Bible every day (Ps 1:2), but there were always other things more important to do. I wanted to live my life according to the biblical teaching (Js 2:22), but sometimes I had to twist the truth a little bit in order to get by. God understands that, right?
Do we always build people up instead of tearing them down (13:10)? Of course we do, for we belong to the same body of Christ. But, wait a minute. I can’t seem to remember when was the last time I say something that was encouraging. I meant to say something nice to my brother, but all I could think of was something bad he did. I meant well to rebuke him, but he was not humble enough to listen. It’s too hard.
“A faith untested is not a faith at all”. It’s time to examine our faith to see how real it is. We will not lose our salvation because we fail to do those things mentioned above, for salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone. However, we had better start to build up our faith with gold and silver instead of hay and straw.
Keep on reading, you have finished the 29th book.
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