"Oh God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are hid from thee." Psalm 69:5
We are usually so busy mentally congratulating ourselves for some supposed knowledge, achievement, or talent, that we seem to have little time for true, humble self-examination. The criticism of others is often unkind; but if we are intelligent and study what they say, it may be extremely revealing as to actual flaws in our character and testimony. Not only should we examine ourselves, and listen to the comments of our critics, but we should let the Word and Spirit of God search our hearts daily so that we will know where the "old leaven" is, that must be "purged out." If you think you are usually right about everything, and are quite somebody, read God's stinging commentary on how wrong you are as it is recorded in 1 Corinthians 8:2, "If any man thinketh that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know."
The Ladies Home Journal printed this story one time as a jest, but it really was quite revealing. "A rather pompous-looking deacon was endeavoring to impress upon a class of boys the importance of living the Christian life. 'Why do people call me a Christian?' the dignitary asked, standing very erect and beaming down upon his scholars with pride. There was a moment's pause, and then one of the youngsters said, 'Maybe it's because they don't know you.'"
If you truly examine yourself in the light of God's Word, you will come to the humbling conclusion that there is actually no such person as you secretly (and pridefully) suppose yourself to be. The only thing truly lovely in us as Christians is the indwelling Holy Spirit. May our prayer therefore be, "O, thou Spirit Divine, all my nature refine, till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me."
"Bread For Each Day"
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