In his letter to the Christians in the ancient city of Corinth, Paul advises them to examine themselves and see if they are in the faith. He writes, "Don't you know that Christ Jesus is in you--as long as you pass the test?" On Sunday we talked about how we should examine ourselves to see if we are really "in the faith." It is very possible for us to claim to believe something we do not really believe; it is even possible to pretend to be something or someone for so long that we convince ourselves that we're something or someone completely opposite of what or whom we are (at least you didn't have to read that one twice!). Jesus says that there are many people who think that they are "in the fold of God" but who are really shut out from His presence. How can we "examine ourselves" to see whether or not the faith we claim is genuine?

First, we examine whether or not we seek to obey God. Jesus says in the gospel of John, "He who loves God obeys His commandments. He who does not love God does not obey His commandments." Because of our sinful (though defeated) natures, we will never be perfect in our obedience, yet we must strive for obedience. We must desire to obey God and seek to obey God in all areas of our lives. If we live lives of disobedience, giving not a care to God and His standards, then we are failing this aspect of the test.

Second, we must examine how we act towards other people. One of the ancient Christians said, "If we claim to belong to Christ but do not love other people, we are liars, and the love of Christ is not in us." The love spoken of here is not a love of affection or warmth or fuzzy feelings for other people; it is agape love: it is love rooted in action, a love of the will that seeks the betterment of others, a love that acts favorably towards all (friends and enemies). It is a love of selflessness, servitude, sacrifice, and kindness. Are we loving others as God commands us to love others? If we are not, then we are not really part of God's family.

Third, we must not love the world. The scriptures tell us plainly, "If you love the world and the things of the world, the love of God is not in you." First, "What is the world?" The "world" is the whole host of those practices, attitudes, and motivations that stand opposed to God. The "world" is selfishness, greed, indifference, and the abuse of sensuality. Now, "What does it mean to love the world?" To love the world is to submit to it: it is to submit to the selfishness, greed, indifference, and abuse of sensuality that our sinful natures crave. It is to embrace a life lived in hostility and opposition to God. If we embrace such a life, then we are not children of God.

I believe that there are many who claim allegiance to Christ but who are really mistaken in their assumptions. If we claim allegiance to a king, but do not live out our allegiance, then our allegiance is a farce, right? How is it any different with claiming loyalty to God? If we claim loyalty to God but live in a totally other manner, then it makes sense that we aren't really loyal to God. In fact, we may be completely opposed to Him! So let us examine ourselves, and if we fail the test, may we come to God dressed in sincere faith and repentance.