Examine Yourselves

Paul’s farewell to the Corinthians is punctuated by this exhortation: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” (2 Corinthians 13:5). While the common reading by Christians is appropriate – you, test yourself; you, test yourself; and you, test yourself – it is also legitimate, though less familiar, to read it like this: ‘all of you, together, test yourselves…’ And that happens in the context of accountability.

Here’s a set of accountability questions you probably haven’t tried yet. Yes, use it yourself, to examine yourself. However, also ask God the questions! Don’t stop there! Ask them to your accountability partner: 

Test For Self-Examination

1. Am I habitually guilty of any known sin? Do I practice or allow myself in any thought, word, or deed which I know to be wrong?

2. Am I so the master of my bodily appetites as to have no condemnation? Do I allow myself in any indulgence that is injurious to my holiness, growth in knowledge, obedience, and usefulness?

3. Are my thoughts and feelings such that I should not be ashamed to hear them published before God?

4. Does the influence of the world cause me to act, feel, or say things that are unlike Christ?

5. Do my tempers cause me to act, or feel or say things that I see afterward are contrary to that love which I ought to bear always to those about me?

6. Am I doing all in my power for the salvation of sinners? Do I feel concern about their danger and pray and work for their salvation as if they were my children?

7. Am I fulfilling the vows I have made to God in my acts of consecration or at the penitent form?

8. Is my example in harmony with my profession? (‘profession’ being an archaic term for ‘my testimony’)

9. Am I conscious of any pride or haughtiness in my manner or bearing?

10. Do I conform to the fashions and customs of this world or do I show that I despise them?

11. Am I in danger of being carried away with worldly desires to be rich or admired?

(’Test for Self-Examination’, from The Salvation Army’s Orders and Regulations for Soldiers, called CHOSEN TO BE A SOLDIER)

God be with you. Stay close to Jesus.