December 12, 2024
A young boy went into the drug store along the town square where he lived and asked the pharmacist if he could make a phone call. Of course, the man said yes. He knew the lad to be a good boy who came from a fine family.
Upon dialing the number, the young man asked the lady on the other end, “Mrs. Jones, do you have a yard boy? Oh you do. And you’re happy with the work he is doing? That’s nice. You plan to keep using him as long as possible? I see. I have to go now … bye Mrs Jones.”
Hearing the conversation, the pharmacist spoke up, “I’m sorry, Tommy, that you didn’t get that job.”
“Oh, I have that job,” replied the boy. “I was just calling to check up on myself.”
I have an automobile that uses oil, so I have to keep a constant eye on that. I get my eyes and teeth checked regularly. In addition, I have my primary care doctor take a blood test at least once a year — sometimes more. So, it only makes good sense that I pause for a spiritual checkup from time to time.
David wisely recognized the need for such an exercise by boldly petitioning, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way” (Psalm 139:23,24 NASB).
Specifically addressing the subject of the Holy Communion, Paul writes, “But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup” (1 Corinthians 11:28 NASB). The word in the original language for “examine” is used with the testing of metals, to determine their purity. On a regular basis, during the Lord’s Supper and otherwise, we ought to examine ourselves, making sure nothing hinders our relationship with God and those around us.
Perhaps you’re nursing a secret sin that weighs heavily upon you. Acknowledge it to the Lord and experience relief and restoration that only He can provide. As the Bible says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NASB).
Maybe there’s someone you need to forgive, but simply can’t bring yourself to do it. On the flipside, is there a person or persons from whom you need to seek forgiveness? Could anger and bitterness have gained a stronghold in your life?
Have a love for self, love for money, and love for pleasure become objects of worship? Scripture warns us about these things, particularly as they relate to the end times (see 2 Timothy 3:2-5).
Such matters are usually unpleasant to discuss and think about. Yet they must be addressed and dealt with. If your car’s not running right, you go to a mechanic. If your body’s not functioning properly, you see a doctor. Likewise, if you’re in a state of spiritual malfunction, “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6 NASB).
On this most important subject, Paul also penned, “Test yourself to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you - unless indeed you fail the test” (2 Corinthians 13:5 NASB)
First and foremost, make sure you pass the test and are in the faith. If so, that means you have Christ in you through the presence of the Holy Spirit. One of His roles is to assist in the examination process, guiding you away from sin and toward righteousness.
This path isn’t meant to be restrictive in any way, but rather restorative. Therefore, check up on yourself, take the necessary steps, and experience peace and victory that only comes through Jesus.
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Rev. Gaddis has been a pastor for over 34 years, 25 of those in Georgia. He lives in Athens and can be reached at jtoddgaddis@gmail.com .
