-January 13, 2024-
Good morning beloved, happy Saturday,
“For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.”
(1 Corinthians 11:31-32).
In 1 Corinthians chapter 11, Paul deals with the subject of the Lord’s Supper and some of the abuses in Corinth surrounding it. Some were taking the bread and wine in an unworthy manner; others were eating and drinking, while others were hungry or drunk. Paul had to set them straight on the soberness and holiness of the Lord’s table.
In this context, Paul tells them if they would judge themselves they would not be judged. Self examination is very important in the Christian life. Jesus told His followers in Matthew 7:1-2, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” We are very good at judging others, but not too good at judging ourselves.
The Holy Spirit convicts us when we sin, and when He does we should immediately confess it, repent, and ask for forgiveness. It is our introspection, which is defined as, “the examination or observation of one’s own mental and emotional processes.” I would add thing to that: one’s spiritual processes as well. Sitting before the Lord with an open heart and an open Bible is just what the doctor ordered. As we pray and ask God to search us, He will.
David’s prayer was, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there be some wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). We can’t always see where we went wrong —we need the Lord to show us. Let us then rightly judge ourselves in the presence of the Lord. In so doing we will not be condemned with the world. The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.
Have a blessed day walking in God’s way. Stay safe and healthy.
The mirror of God’s Word reveals every detail to us,
Dean
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Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 