This week I had to opportunity to get our vehicles inspected in order to get our new license plates. You know the routine…wait in line for 2 hours to find out you forget one document. So frustrating. But, it got me thinking (while I was waiting) about inspections and how it applies to our spiritual lives.
I realized that my van has its own computer system that allows it to inspect itself constantly. You know that annoying "Check engine" light. If my van needs its own system to inspect itself, I bet God has a fool proof plan on how I should inspect myself.
So I got on my computer when I got home and looked. Sure enough…through out the Bible, God reminds us to inspect ourselves. Paul talks about it in 2 Corinthians 13:5a (NIV) - Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Everyone needs to take the time, on a regular basis to examine areas of their lives.
The best way to do this is with the Word of God, within the confines of community. In other words, we need one another to keep us honest with ourselves. Just as my car not only needs its own internal computer to examine itself, it needs an independent authority – a mechanic. Our independent authority is the combination of God’s Word and Community or each other.
When’s the last time you allowed yourself to be examined? When’s the last time you allowed others to truthfully speak into your life? Don’t wait until your ‘check engine’ or ‘check your prayer life’ light comes on. I hope you’ll take time in the next week or two to examine yourself and maybe even allow someone else to speak some truth to you. It’s God’s plan to keep us ‘in tune’ with Him.
