The 'Danger' Of An Unexamined Life

I love the bluntness of Paul to his protege Timothy, in 1 Timothy 4:  “Be diligent in these matters [all that I’ve taught thus far] – [giving] yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.  Watch your life and doctrine closely, because if you do – you will save both yourself and your hearers…”  (1 Timothy 4:15-16).  

The ‘take away’: the Christian life, in God's eyes, requires growth and progress.  For growth and progress are non-negotiables in the Christian walk  -- as Paul admonishes us to “…be diligent in all these matters…”  (1 Timothy 4:15) – ‘giving [yourself] wholly to them…”  (1 Timothy 4:15) – ‘watching your life and doctrine closely…’ (1 Timothy 4:16).    

And so in the spirit of admonishment:  have you grown in the Lord over the last 12 months; is there anything  different about you in the spring of 2016 compared to the spring of 2015?

Frankly, these are tough questions because most of us do not live a self-examined life; we’re not diligent -- whole-hearted – watchful.   And so I want to encourage you to be diligent – whole-hearted – watchful – in your Christian walk.    

Start to journal – join a small group – write out your prayers – begin Christian counseling – request be anointed, which includes confession of sins – do pray walks.   In whatever way you choose – don’t just hold up a mirror to your physical self – hold up a mirror to your spiritual self – and face who really are – today – in the Lord.    

One of the most disturbing questions I’ve ever been asked is this question:  “Paul who are you, when no one is looking?”  Not a bad question to ask -- and so let me ask you -- who are you, when no one is looking?”    

Answer that question, by taking the next step toward a self-examined life.  For Paul is right:  we must “…Examine [ourselves] to see whether [we] are in the faith. [We must] test [ourselves]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV).

By all estimations St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world.  Built in 1870, it has stood the test of time, inspiring tens of thousands of worshippers and visitors.  Yet nine years ago – representatives of the cathedral began examining it’s infrastructure – and were shocked.  Unbeknownst to them – though St. Patrick’s looked good – underneath were serious needs and flaws.  Why there were breaks in the stained glass – fractures in stonewalls and steps – soot over key pieces of marble – and cracks in the plaster of central vaults.   

And so over the last nine years – the firm of Murphy Burnham and Buttick have made over 30,000 different interventions – to repair, renew and refurbish St Patrick’s Cathedral. The result of such self-examination and restoration:  the advancement of St. Patrick’s to new expressions of life and growth.  As now it’s stained glass is not only colorful – it glows; it’s vaulted ceiling not only reflects light – it radiates – it’s stone walls not only express strength – they inspire others to new heights.

God wants you not only colorful – God wants you to glow.  God wants you not only to reflect light – God wants you to radiate.  God wants you to not only express strength – God wants you to inspire others to new heights.   

Sure you look good – but underneath you’ve got breaks – fractures – soot – and cracks, as well.  

And so don’t live an unexamined life – but be diligent – whole-hearted – watchful (1 Timothy 4: 15-16).  

Be diligent – whole-hearted – watchful!   Admonish not just self – but others – toward the fullness of Jesus.  For it's critical to elevate the fullness of Jesus – prioritizing His Gospel and His Kingdom’s Cause -- beginning with 'the cause,' 'the restoration' -- Jesus wants to do within our own lives. 

And so who are you when no one’s looking?  

I exhort you – I challenge you – I admonish you – to be -- more and more and more – like Jesus!