Today, our Scripture is 2 Corinthians 13:5 … Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. (NLT) It’s so easy for us to judge others, isn’t it? Someone does something or says something we don’t like or disagree with and we call their integrity, intelligence, or intentions into question. Even though we all know the Bible tells us not to judge, and that God is the only Judge, we just can’t seem to help ourselves.

But Paul told the believers at Corinth to examine themselves on the authenticity of their faith. Not others. Themselves. Why? Well, if we know we need test ourselves, we aren’t busy looking at other people. Accountability works best when everyone involved chooses to cooperate.

Listen once again to today’s verse in The Message Bible … Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it.

The times we all likely grew the most in knowledge was when we were in school. Why? Because we were constantly having to take tests to prove what we knew.

If you decided to take Paul up on His challenge on a regular basis, don’t you suspect you might become more aware of your personal and spiritual growth?

So, how can you “Test yourself to make sure you are solid in the faith and not drifting along taking everything for granted, and giving yourself regular checkups”?

Let’s pray together: “Father, teach me to be aware of my own growth and not so concerned with others growth—or lack of it. Teach me to take inventory of You in my life. Guide me, show me how I can grow in You to test out my faith and do something about it. As above, so below.”