Articles
Examine Yourself
When one disregards the sacredness of that which belongs to God he can hardly be expected to be reliable in his word and in dealings with others. He can be depended upon only so far as business policy, public sentiment or some such motive many seem to him best in promoting his own selfish interests.
To some, these statements may seem extreme. But, are they? Can you expect one who does not respect that which belongs to God to respect that which belongs to man? Why should you? A man who will sacrifice his religious principles for profit will also sacrifice his honesty in his dealings with others. And the man who has no religious convictions, but makes a pretense of religion for policy's sake is no better than one who sacrifices his religion for policy's sake.
Are you honest? Can your word be depended upon? Is this true in every instance?? Try to be honest with yourself in answering these questions. One who is not honest with God will find it hard to face himself honestly.
The kind of person you are is determined by your attitude toward God and the things God requires of men. It is not determined (necessarily) by what you say your attitude is but by the actions of your life.
When you slight the Lord's church and its assemblies for worship, the study of God's word, giving as the Scriptures direct, prayer, of self-control, etc. you are revealing your real character. No amount of argument can change this fact. "Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?" (Prov 20:6) Are YOU really faithful? Each of us will do well to make a careful and searching self-examination. "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith, prove your own selves." (2 Cor 13:5)
