The call to examine ourselves is one of the most sobering and necessary disciplines in the Christian life. It is not merely an invitation to self-reflection but a command from God’s Word that directs us toward spiritual honesty and renewal. The Apostle Paul urged believers to test whether they were truly in the faith, reminding them that Christ dwells in those who belong to Him (2 Corinthians 13:5). This practice of self-examination helps guard against complacency, hypocrisy, and false assurance.

Self-examination is not about living in constant doubt or fear, but about walking with integrity before the Lord. Just as we undergo physical checkups to ensure our bodies remain healthy, our souls need regular evaluation to confirm that our faith is genuine and fruitful. Scripture presents several contexts where this discipline is vital: in our personal walk with Christ, in our participation in the Lord’s Supper, in our motives and actions, and in our pursuit of holiness.

Examining Our Walk with Christ

The prophet Jeremiah called the people of God to examine their ways and return to the Lord (Lamentations 3:40). This call still echoes today. We live in a world filled with distractions and temptations that subtly draw our hearts away from God. Left unchecked, small compromises can harden into patterns of sin. That is why examining our hearts before the Lord is essential.

When Paul urged believers to test themselves, his concern was that some might profess Christ outwardly while lacking inward transformation. This warning compels us to ask: Is Christ truly at the center of my life? Is my faith producing obedience and love? A healthy faith is not stagnant; it grows, bears fruit, and perseveres (2 Peter 1:10).

We see this again in John’s first epistle. He states that his purpose for writing the letter is so we as believers “know that you have eternal life” — saved for eternity and secure in our salvation. Following his teachings as to what a true believer says, does, and thinks allows us to assess or examine our own lives, just as Paul and Peter direct us to do.

Examining Ourselves at the Lord’s Table

Another clear setting for self-examination is the Lord’s Supper. Paul instructed the church at Corinth that before eating the bread and drinking the cup, each believer must examine himself (1 Corinthians 11:28). The seriousness of this command comes from the sacredness of the meal. To participate in communion casually or hypocritically is to dishonor the body and blood of Christ.

This does not mean that only the perfect may partake. Rather, it means we should approach the table with sincerity, humility, and repentance. Communion becomes not only a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice but also a moment of renewal as we acknowledge our sin and receive His grace afresh. Paul also notes that if we would judge ourselves rightly, we would avoid falling under the discipline of God (1 Corinthians 11:31). Self-examination at the table is therefore both a safeguard and a blessing.

Examining Our Motives and Actions

The Christian life is not simply about what we do, but why we do it. Paul reminded the Galatians that each one should test his own work (Galatians 6:4). Motives matter. Good deeds can be tainted by pride, selfishness, or the desire for recognition.

The psalmist prayed for God to search his heart and reveal hidden faults (Psalm 139:23–24). This prayer acknowledges that our self-perception can be limited or biased. We need the Spirit’s illumination to see ourselves rightly. Examining our motives keeps us aligned with God’s will and guards us against drifting into mere outward religion.

James offers another vivid picture: the Word of God is like a mirror. Those who hear it but fail to act are like people who glance at their reflection and immediately forget what they saw (James 1:23–24). True examination requires more than casual glances; it requires looking intently into the mirror of God’s Word and responding with obedience.

Examining Our Standing in Holiness

Holiness is not optional for believers — it is the evidence of God’s transforming work in us. Peter exhorts us to confirm our calling and election by diligently practicing godly virtues (2 Peter 1:10). Self-examination helps us measure whether our lives are reflecting Christ’s holiness or blending with the world’s patterns.

This does not mean we rely on our performance to earn God’s acceptance. Salvation is by grace through faith. Yet grace that saves also sanctifies. The absence of growth in holiness should prompt deep reflection: Am I resisting the Spirit’s work? Am I cherishing sin instead of pursuing righteousness?

The Blessing of Honest Examination

Though examining ourselves may feel uncomfortable, it leads to blessing. The goal is not condemnation but restoration. Jeremiah’s call to test our ways was coupled with an invitation to return to the Lord (Lamentations 3:40). Self-examination clears away the fog of self-deception and opens the path to repentance, renewal, and joy.

When we bring our hearts honestly before God, we find that He is faithful to forgive and cleanse us from unrighteousness. Instead of fearing exposure, we can welcome it, because it brings us into deeper fellowship with Him. As Paul said, if we test ourselves and see Christ in us, we find assurance that our faith is real (2 Corinthians 13:5). And if we find areas where we fall short, God’s grace is abundant to restore us.

Conclusion

The Christian life is not meant to be lived on autopilot. Scripture repeatedly calls us to pause, reflect, and examine our faith, motives, and actions. Whether preparing for communion, measuring our spiritual fruit, or seeking purity of heart, self-examination is a mark of genuine discipleship.

Rather than avoiding it, we should embrace it as a gift of grace. When examining ourselves before God, we are reminded that He examines us with perfect knowledge and unfailing love. His goal is not to leave us in guilt but to refine us into the likeness of His Son. To live without examination is to risk drifting away unnoticed. But to live with honest self-examination is to walk in assurance that Christ is in us, and we are in Him.