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2 Corinthians 13:5-6, Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?  And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.

We have come to the final chapter in 2 Corinthians and Paul has some strong closing comments for the Corinthian church.  The Corinthians want evidence that God is speaking through Paul.  Paul turns the argument around and tells them to assess their own faith.  According to Paul, they should be examining themselves, not cross-examining him.  Paul wants the Corinthians to look closely at their own behavior and attitudes.  Do they point to faith in Jesus?  This is the test to which he is referring.

It is so much easier to point a finger at others and criticize their behavior, speech, and lifestyle, than it is to examine our own.  I can't help but be reminded of Jesus' words in Matthew 7:3-5, Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.  Just as the Corinthians wanted to focus on what they perceived as Paul's weaknesses, we also get fixated on what we see are the problems of others.  All the while, we feel perfectly comfortable with a massive plank in our own eye. 

Ask God to reveal to you the times in which you were quick to judge others rather than examine your own life and faith. 

Let's pray..."Lord Jesus, We fail you over and over again.  Forgive us for the times in we judge others, look down on our neighbors, or arrogantly think we are better Christians than the next person.  God, reveal to us where we fall short and where you want to see us change and grow.  We need you desperately, Jesus.  More of you, less of me.  In Your Name, Amen.