Devotional for June bulletin
It’s that period of time again when many of us have faced or are facing exams….. school exams, uni and college exams, and so on. Exam time is often stressful, al-ways challenging and something that we just can’t wait to end.
But while the process may be uncomfortable, it certainly has its benefits. While it can be very taxing to spend days or weeks reviewing material that we’ve studied over many months, often burning the midnight oil, and preparing ourselves men-tally for the exam, the benefits are gained when we can see for ourselves what progress we have made. Have I understood the fundamentals of electromag-netism? Can I perform long-division? Can I explain the concept of force majeure?
With a well-designed set of exam questions, it can become obvious to all, including ourselves, whether we have reached the level of competence expected of those who have undertaken the course. It can highlight areas of weakness which we need to address (….perhaps with a little more effort and study and less TV or social media time).
While academic exams are not necessary for all, self-examination in the Christian life is. The apostle Paul says in 2 Cor 13:5, Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.
Self-examination is a necessary component of the Christian life. Without it, we would not be aware of our progress and there would be little determination to address areas of need. Sure, others can and do provide feedback for us. And that also is a necessary aspect that we all need in order to progress. But no one will persuade us more powerfully and convincingly of our spiritual shortcomings and areas of need than our own consciences. So the apostle says, “Examine your-selves…… Test yourselves.” It may be an uncomfortable process, even a stressful one, but it is a necessary one and certainly has its rewards.
Thankfully, for most, school and university exams do come to an end at a relatively early part of life. But spiritual self-examination is a life-long process; it is a neces-sary process if we are to make progress, track our progress and make improve-ments where we need to in order to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.
Basil Yakoubi