In 1 Corinthians 11 the Apostle Paul dealt with what he saw as problems in how the Corinthian church was practicing the Lord’s supper. He points out that because they were failing to rightly honor each other in communing together, God was disciplining them. They were weak, sick, and a number had actually died as a result. So, he calls them each to examine themselves and writes in verses 31 and 32, “If we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. Nevertheless, 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.”
I see a spiritual principle here that transcends this immediate context: it is that an integral part of the Christian life is the practice of self-examination, the act of judging oneself. In so doing, writes the apostle, we will not need the Lord’s discipline to keep us on tract.
How do we go about it? How do we know if our thoughts, words, or actions, pass the test, so to speak?
I think the all-important question is this: are they — in some way — contributing to a life of self-sacrificial helpfulness towards others — especially other believers?
Here’s a prayer that may help: “Lord, search my heart. Is everything I’m thinking and doing in some way making me more helpful to others? Please show me how I can grow in this.” The Lord will most certainly answer such a prayer and, thankfully, keep us ahead of the need to be disciplined by him.
