When we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world. (1 Cor. 11:32)
It is Satan’s role to whisper false assurance into our lives, and when we have not examined or judged ourselves, we lay our hearts open to his snares. We can easily be deceived to value ourselves more highly than those around us and to work for our own gains over God’s. The best rewards should be of the eternal kind, yet we slide easily into valuing fleeting rewards through our self-importance and pride. Our work world may be rampant with the attitude that to get ahead we need to cut corners, to regard ourselves more highly than those we work with, and to slight our customers—after all, it is our right to excel, no matter what it takes.
Paul, however, valued self-examination; he knew a continued lack could lead to self-deception and a sense of self-importance. Taking our emphasis off self and turning to the one who can transform and change us can only be done by asking God to search our hearts. A. W. Tozer said that when we look at Christ, the very thing we have been trying to do will be getting done within us.
This Scripture affirms that we are judged, but not condemned, by God. Knowing that we cannot change ourselves, in honesty and humility we can come before God and plead for life change through his Holy Spirit.
Because we are saved, remember that mercy triumphs over judgment.
Susan Gordon is a wife, mom, and grammie who recently received her master’s degree at age 69. She enjoys art, photography, being active, and creation.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
