Perhaps we endeavor to think back over our lives. We undertake a dangerous proposition if we are not careful. What segments do we emphasize? What do we magnify? Can I really review my past accurately? Am I happy with it, or regretting my exercise?
Paul, the Apostle, spoke of forgetting what is behind, pressing on to what is still coming — in Philippians 3:13. We do well to take his advise. A believer in Christ can err in his or her evaluations due to a complex makeup in Adam. They may live in confusion regarding ideals. For example, some have convictions from God’s Word that bring tremendous security to their lives. But, other Christians are fighting for their salvation. Some have had sound teachers, others are self taught or have had immature leaders as examples.
It means that God’s process of making them like Christ’ has not been completed yet. Romans 8:29 If he or she seeks to discover their selves by self evaluation, they will no doubt come to shortened conclusions. Their grid for measurement measures incomplete. This applies to all.
Practically speaking, the Christian life seeks not to realize its problems. We are not problem solvers. Instead our focus is on Christ, the complete One. An analytical mind of self-analysis can hinder a Christian greatly. Introspection can waste much time and even years, even lead to neurosis or psychosis. Depression is common among self conscious folks.
Frankly, a total analysis of my and your life has already been made. In Romans 3:23; 6:23 We were found guilty, sentenced to die, only to find that Christ took our place. He died for and as us, was resurrected also, and we with Him. Folks, the whole analytical issue was settled already; no need to hash it out again and again.
Brothers and Sisters have we considered our soul components? Mind, yes, but also emotions and self-consciousness play a part. My conscience becomes a factor, as does my will. Do we analyze through what we feel? Unconsciously perhaps we feel fear due to past experiences. 2 Timothy 1:7, Romans 8:15 Well then, fear may govern all of my evaluations — how about guilt, or having a poor self image? Do we have volitional problems ? Any of these could taint our view in an introspective posture. We simply cannot trust ourselves, and do well to see Jeremiah ‘s thought in 17:9. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? ” Yes the core of man is unknowable, undiscernible.
Look at Jeremiah 17:4-8 “Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.”
Notice, having left the safety of Christ, he becomes naked to the desert and its heat, cold and wind. Thirst overtakes him, any good is solely centered in getting comfort for his body, etc.
In contrast, ”
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:10. Follows, “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” Like the partridge that gathers a brood that she did not hatch, so is he who gets riches but not by justice; in the midst of his days they will leave him, and at his end he will be a fool.
Earthly success, though possible, may be totally misplaced and lost.
God, as we put our trust in Him, will show us what is in our hearts. This could be painful but releases us toward a more honest and open relationship with God and people.
Ultimately,
Jeremiah 17:12 , “A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary.”
Friends, our salvation was purchased before the foundation of the world. It cannot change nor does it fluctuate. What does vary is our ongoing unfolding of the revelation of what happened back then. Nevertheless let’s keep our eyes on Him. love ya
