Look in the Mirror, What Do You See?

by Bryan Gibson

Several weeks ago, we posed the question, how well do you know Jesus? Let’s turn that around today and ask, how well does Jesus know you? You know the answer already, don’t you? He knows everything about you, including what is “in you” (John 2:23). Jesus described Himself this way: “I am He who searches (or examines) the minds and hearts” (Revelation 2:23). Since Jesus continually examines us, we need to continually examine ourselves. Here are some questions to help us all examine ourselves.

·        Do I treat those in my family the way Jesus tells me to? (Ephesians 5:22-6:4; Colossians 3:18-21; Titus 2:3-5).

·        Is my anger out of control? Is it directed at the wrong things? How often do I let the sun go down on my wrath? (Ephesians 4:26-27).

·        Do I ever gossip? Do I ever smile when I report the problems of others? (Romans 1:29-30; 2 Corinthians 12:20; 1 Timothy 5:13).

·        Do I take criticism, correction or rebuke well? (Proverbs 12:1).

·        Do I leave too many good works undone? Do I have reasons—or excuses—for my failures? (Matthew 5:16; Acts 9:36; 1 Timothy 5:10; 6:18; Titus 2:7, 14).

·        Do I visit the sick, either personally or by other means of contact? (Matthew 25:36, 43).

·        Do I talk to others about the gospel, or am I too ashamed? (2 Timothy 1:8, 12).

·        Do I try to restore those who have fallen away? (Galatians 6:1-2; James 5:19-20).

·        Are my thoughts pure? (Philippians 4:8).

·        Do I guard my heart diligently? (Proverbs 4:23). What kind of music do I listen to? What T.V. programs do I watch? Have I seen any movies I should not have seen?

·        Do I study diligently? (2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 2:1-2).

·        Do I hunger and thirst for righteousness? (Matthew 5:6).

·        How much time do I spend in prayer? (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

·        Do I attend the services of the church faithfully? (Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 11:26; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:18).

·        Do I worship in spirit and in truth? (John 4:24).

·        Do I sing with the spirit and with understanding? Do I make melody in my heart when I sing? (1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).

·        Do I properly discern the Lord’s body when I observe the Lord’s Supper? (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).

·        Do I give bountifully (liberally) and cheerfully? (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

·        Do I obey the laws of the land? (1 Peter 2:13).

·        Do I have a good attitude at work? Do I work “as to the Lord” when I’m on the job? (Ephesians 6:5-8; Colossians 3:22-25).

·        Do I use any foul or suggestive or profane language? (Ephesians 5:3-4).

·        Do I do anything to defile my body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit? (1 Corinthians 6:13-20).

·        Do I ever tell lies or deceive people in any way? (Colossians 3:9; Ephesians 4:25).

Many more questions could be added, but let’s close with this important point. There is another sense in which Jesus may not know you at all. To those who do not obey His will, Jesus will have this to say in the day of judgment, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness” (Matthew 7:21-23; see also Matthew 25:11-13; Luke 13:24-27).