Christians often exhort one another to do
some “soul searching” to see if they are right with God. Many ministers teach that believers should do this on
a regular basis in order to make sure they are growing in spiritual maturity and becoming submissive to the Holy Spirit. However,
a practice of deep, frequent introspection can become quite burdensome on person's heart. From a biblical standpoint, is this
truly a healthy habit to live by?
It seems clear from what the apostle Paul wrote in 1st Corinthians 4:3-5 that he did not scrutinize himself very
often. He said, “I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself.
My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the
appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of
men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.” Reading this passage, it appears evident that the
Bible's teaching is much different than that of many modern clergymen. This is not the only place that the Scriptures reveal
that, either.
Psalm 26:2 reads, “Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.” Similarly, Psalm 139:23 declares,
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” Sometimes these two verse are used
to encourage people to constantly reflect on their behavior to see if they are walking in sin. Yet neither of these psalms
admonish their readers to do that. Instead, they reveal that men are to rely on God to check their hearts. Christians should
welcome the Lord's correction in their lives, but not expect that they are wise enough to correct everything themselves.
Human beings simply do not have enough insight to thoroughly measure their own success at walking in holiness. As Jeremiah
17:9 confirms, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Only someone
as all-knowing and just as the Lord can reliably show men where we they are in error and where they are not. He promises to
do this in His Word. He affirms in Jeremiah 17:10, “I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man
according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.”
Yes, it is important for God's people to listen to the voice of the Spirit when He bring things to their attention concerning
their conduct and their thought-lives. Nevertheless, they are not to spend large amounts of time looking at themselves with
a critical eye. Doing so will only result in discouragement, and induce a pressure on people to change in ways that God may
not be dealing with them to do so.
Jesus is a very patient, kind, and honest shepherd, and He guides His sheep when they are getting off-track (John 10:27).
It is not safe for them to try and do His job. Therefore, may Job's bold statement be turned into prayer. Job defended Himself
saying, “Let Him weigh me with accurate scales, and let God know my integrity” (Job 31:6). This is a request every
believer can make!
