James 1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
This passage of scripture basically teaches us that in our lives there must be times of sober reflection when we can reason from cause to effect, the mistakes that were made in the past, so that the new and living way granted to us through the gospel, may be followed diligently, without turning to the right hand or to the left. As the man in the mirror looks at himself through the law of God, he sees exactly where his feet have diverged from the path of integrity and virtue, and thus he is enabled to make wise, informed choices as he moves forward into the future. When this is done faithfully and consistently, the apostle James says that the man in the mirror shall be blessed.
Deep soul-searching is an integral part of the Christian experience, for it's only as we evaluate the progress that is being made, are we able to better plan and cooperate with God, through the surrendering of our lives entirely to Him, so that His word may spring up and bear fruit in our lives. This is what the psalmist David did as he retraced his own steps, and saw exactly where he had taken a wrong course of action. As he deeply reflected on his own misdeeds, an earnest desire for cleansing was born in his mind, and he was not content to leave any stone unturned, but rather asked God to do a thorough evaluation of his thoughts and ways so that he would not be as the forgetful hearer that James speaks about. Let's read:
Psalms 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
In our day there is an urgent need of thorough soul-searching on a daily basis, for many of us live our lives without being aware that we might actually be retrogressing instead of growing in grace and in a knowledge of God's truth. Some Christians do not realize that secret sins or deviations from the path of righteousness might be taking place in their lives, and so they do not ask forgiveness for what they are not aware of.
For instance, very many Christians are not aware that the practice of tattooing and piercing one's body is of pagan origin, and as such is forbidden in the Bible. And so many of us go out and have symbols and imagery indelibly printed on our bodies which are supposed to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. Let's read:
Leviticus 19:28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord.
Isaiah 3:18 In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon, 19 The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers, 20 The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings, 21 The rings, and nose jewels.
When God has saved us, it is His will that we should walk in newness of life. The gospel should be brought to bear in every area of our lives, with no reservations whatsoever, for the word of God is not only about praise and blessings, it also enters into our closets, it is a guest at our dining tables, and it always visits with us as we take our recreation. There it goes again as we watch television or as we do our finances. That's why the first question that a true Christian asks himself when deciding to do anything is, "What does the word of God say?"
As we reflect on our doings and as we retrace our steps, let's ask God to do an internal, spiritual audit of our lives to see if we are walking in harmony with what we know to be right, and if any wicked way is found, then grace is promised to all who ask in sincerity. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to seek God for help in this delicate work of soul-searching. Let's read:
Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
May the Lord enable us to surrender ourselves daily so that no sin or departure from righteousness may inadvertently take root in our hearts. "Good night" and God bless!