Self Examination

Today, we pick up our study through Galatians in 6:2 where it says, “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” In order to properly understand this verse, we must remember v.1 of the same chapter which said, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” What Paul is saying here is that each of us has areas of weakness and we should be willing to help each other with them. Thus, in doing, we fulfill the law of Christ. What is the “law of Christ”? It’s found in John 13:34 where it says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”

Notice v. 3, “For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.” We are all vulnerable to falling. None of us are above it. I read in a book the other day this quote: “Be careful my brother, for what is in me lies dormant in you also.” That is so true. Truthfully, every one of us is usually only one bad decision from ruin. That is why we must totally depend upon God for every decision. Yes, even the ones that some to be “no-brainers” for us. I’ve found that what I perceive to be my greatest strengths many times end up being my greatest weaknesses? Why? – self-reliance!

Notice v. 4, “But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.” Here Paul goes on to say that we better look deep within ourselves as well. He also said in 1 Corinthians 11:28, “But let a man examine himself…”, and in 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves…” Each of us has an obligation to ourselves, others and God to examine our own lives to see where it aligns with Christ and to make adjustments as necessary before we start looking into other people’s lives. In this way, we avoid hypocrisy. Jesus said in Matthew 7:3, “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?”