When we consider our lives as Christians, we come upon areas in which we know we could do (be) better. As a part of self-examination (2 Cor. 13:5), we should look at ourselves and see where we might be lacking.
Consider LIFE:
Loyalty –
We must be Loyal to Christ, to His church, and to our families. The idea of one’s loyalty comes from a significant feeling of ownership and pride in something. We must be loyal to Christ, seeking Him and His church first. This will often mean that must learn to prioritize differently. What will I have to give up or rearrange so that I can serve Christ first. While many understand this when it comes to our physical families, what about our spiritual families? Do we prefer to be with God’s people? And more specifically, do we prefer to be with our family at OceanSide? We must be loyal to the congregation and be proud of the work here and take part in it.
Investigation –
Again, the idea of self-examination is not new. Paul admonished the Corinthians to examine themselves as to whether they were in the faith (2Cor. 13:5). God’s people were reminded that their ancestors had been “destroyed for a lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). We are to investigate God’s Word daily (Acts 17:11) and compare that to what is being taught. John admonished us to “try the spirits” (1 John 4:1).
Fellowship –
The Bible warns of fellowship with the “unfruitful works of darkness” (Eph. 5:11). There are boundaries set for fellowship by God, which man has no right to cross. But, first we must make sure that we are in fellowship with God (1 John 1:6-10). Fellowship with God and with His people is only available to those “who walk in the light” (1 John 1:7), and it is not to be extended to those who do not teach the “doctrine of Christ” (2 John 9).
Eternity –
All of this comes into the practical realm when we consider Eternity. Whether, Heaven or Hell, we will spend an eternity somewhere (Mt. 25:46). Therefore, we must choose to be Faithful in this LIFE as Christians (Josh. 24:15; Luke 16:19-31; 2 Thess. 1:6-10).
