Self-examinations can be lifesaving.
Women who’ve had breast cancer or are at high risk due to
biological reasons are encouraged to self-examine. Since doctor visits are
separated by months—sometimes years--examinations are vitally important and
could mean the difference between life and death.
People who’ve had skin cancer are encouraged to perform
self-examinations. My cancer was basil cell carcinoma and was barely a
noticeable place on the back of my ear. Other than it bleeding when I dried off
after a shower, I would never have known it existed. Since then, I’ve
had a few different places frozen or cut off. So, I regularly self-examine. My
skin doctor appointments come months apart, and a lot can happen in that time.
Another critical self-examination falls in the area of
insecurity. Insecurities occur for various reasons. Perhaps the messages a
child heard while they were young were primarily negative. “You can’t do that,”
or “You’ll never amount to anything.” Similar messages are often perpetrated by
those who heard those same messages when they were growing up. Messages like this can form an adult who has low self-esteem, is overtly shy, and may be afraid to set goals or make decisions. Spouses who live with emotionally or
physically abusive partners can also face insecurities.
But Paul deals with one area we never have to feel
insecure about. He suggests self-examination regarding salvation—faith in
Christ. We came into this world a sinner. Left to ourselves, we will carry out
the effects of that sinful nature in unhealthy attitudes, actions, and words.
Without any action on our part to correct it, we will go to our graves the same
way and spend eternity apart from a loving God. But we don’t have to.
Jesus paid for our sins, but we must accept his actions. His sacrifice removes our sins and gives us His righteousness when applied to our lives. This act should also remove our insecurities. After a
self-examination, we conclude that, indeed, we’re in the faith and secure in
his love. Forgiveness, abundance, joy, power, confidence—and most of all,
heaven—are all ours.
Plan to do a regular self-examination.
Father, when I examine myself, may I find my security in your
unconditional forgiveness.
