One of the greatest dangers in the Christian life is assuming we’re doing well spiritually simply because we attend church, read our Bible occasionally, or call ourselves Christians.
The Bible repeatedly encourages us to examine ourselves, not to live in fear or doubt, but to make sure our faith is genuine and growing.
The Apostle Paul wrote:
“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” (2 Corinthians 13:5)
That’s a command many of us don’t think about very often.
So let me encourage you to slow down for a few minutes and honestly consider these five questions. Don’t answer them the way you wish they were true. Answer them the way God already knows they are.
1. If someone watched my life, would they know I follow Jesus?
Notice I didn’t ask whether they would know you go to church.
Would they see kindness when you’re treated unfairly?
Would they see humility instead of pride?
Would they see forgiveness instead of bitterness?
Would they hear words that build others up instead of tear them down?
Following Jesus isn’t just something we claim. It’s something people should gradually see reflected in the way we live.
2. Do I obey Jesus only when it’s easy?
Jesus said,
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)
Obedience becomes much harder when it costs us something.
It’s easy to love people who love us.
It’s harder to forgive someone who deeply hurt us.
It’s easy to trust God when life is going well.
It’s much harder when prayers seem unanswered and circumstances don’t make sense.
Real faith isn’t revealed during the easy seasons of life. It’s revealed when obedience requires sacrifice.
3. What occupies my thoughts more—God’s Kingdom or this world?
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the blessings God has given us.
But where does our heart naturally drift?
Do we spend more time thinking about our next purchase than our next opportunity to serve someone?
Are we more excited about earthly success than eternal rewards?
Jesus said,
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
Our thoughts often reveal what we truly value.
4. If Jesus answered every prayer I prayed this week, who besides me would be blessed?
That question challenged me the first time I heard something similar.
Many of our prayers revolve around our own needs, our own problems, and our own desires.
But how often do we pray for our neighbors?
For missionaries?
For our pastors?
For those who don’t yet know Christ?
For people who have hurt us?
The more we become like Jesus, the more our prayers begin to reflect His heart for others.
5. Am I becoming more like Christ than I was a year ago?
Perfection isn’t the goal.
Growth is.
Can you look back over the past year and honestly say you’ve become more patient?
More loving?
More forgiving?
More humble?
More faithful?
Do you know God’s Word better today than you did a year ago?
Do you spend more time with Him?
Can others see evidence that the Holy Spirit is continuing His work in your life?
The Christian life isn’t about standing still. It’s about continually becoming more like Christ.
One Final Thought
These questions aren’t meant to discourage you.
They’re meant to encourage honest reflection.
Every one of us has areas where we need to grow. The wonderful news is that God isn’t looking for perfect people. He’s looking for hearts that are surrendered to Him and willing to be transformed.
If one of these questions exposed an area where you’ve grown complacent, don’t become discouraged.
Bring it to the Lord.
Ask Him to help you grow.
The Christian life isn’t measured by whether we’ve arrived. It’s measured by whether we’re continuing to follow the One who is leading us.
So let me leave you with one final question.
If you were to examine your life today, would you see someone who simply believes certain things about Jesus… or someone who is truly becoming more like Him each day?
Only you—and God—know the answer.