Self-Examination

Ash Wednesday

Blaise Pascal, the French Christian thinker, made this remark about weariness, “Nothing is so insufferable to man as to be completely at rest, without passions, without business, without diversion, without study. He then feels his nothingness, his forlornness, his insufficiency, his dependence, his weakness, his emptiness. There will immediately arise from the depth of his heart weariness, gloom, sadness, fretfulness, vexation, despair.” [Close quote.]

Is this perhaps the reason that Americans go through life at a breakneck pace? From the moment they wake up in the morning till the moment their heads hit the pillow at night, their thoughts and energies are consumed by a thousand details. Messages and images from the newspaper, radio and computer clutter the mind to such a degree that it is hard to determine what is worth remembering, and what can be dismissed. Add to that the responsibilities of daily life: errands, phone calls, email, employment, commuting, family -- a typical believer has little time for tranquil reflection. Consequently, he avoids any investigation of his behavior, evaluating it against the Word of God, and the example of Christ. Nothing is easier than postponing a quiet time. Thus the duty of self-examination is rarely performed.

And what is the result? We live shallow, frenzied, prayerless, spiritually-impoverished lives. There is little growth in holiness; patterns of sin persist, and love for God and neighbor flickers. The season of Lent is a time to slow down the hustle and bustle of life and devote time to the inner life.

Consider the many Bible passages that encourage self-examination. The prodigal son, who wrecked his life in wild living and wasteful spending, only came to wisdom after looking inward. Listen to the passage, “When [the prodigal son] came to himself he said, “How many hired servants of my father have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son!” (Luke 15:17-19). He came to himself by looking where he was, asking why he was in such a mess, and acknowledging his sin. Moreover, the apostle Paul insists on self-examination as a preparation for the Lord’s Supper. He says, “Let a man examine himself, and [then] let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup… If we would judge ourselves, “ he goes on, “We should not be judged [of the Lord.]” (1 Cor. 11:28, 31). And again, in Galatians he says, “For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.” Many other passages could be marshaled: (Ps. 4:4; 77:6; 119:59; James 1:23-24).

The neglect of this command to self-examination is the source of much trouble in life, and of our incompleteness as Christians. Like the Lord Jesus we make time for quiet contemplation. It is unwise to schedule the day without penciling in an hour for tranquil thought, in which we can examine our love and obedience to the Lord. Good habits need to replace bad habits. And once the habit of daily prayer, Bible-reading, and soul-searching is formed, and kept up for several weeks, it is easier to maintain.

Lent has now arrived to prompt us toward spiritual exercises and discipline. It is the Church’s version of tough love. The ashes traced on the forehead are a sign of our sin, and the death that results from sin. We say “Amen” to the curses of God for any transgressions against His law. Our “Amens” honor God and His standard of justice. This Commination service is the right medicine for our day. Too many people flatter themselves that they are basically good, better than the average, and thus in no need of God’s grace. Even hardened criminals can convince themselves that they are better than the norm. In general the self-esteem of prisoners is extremely high. Likewise, studies have shown that 85% of drivers regard themselves as better than average. When it comes to morality and spirituality, few people grade themselves below medium. Much of this is due to a prideful self-love that blinds people to their true condition. In contrast, the best saints know themselves well. They know that they have an evil nature and powerful sinful propensities that must be curbed and controlled. One at a time, they examine their thoughts and words and actions and admit to the Lord their shortcomings. They realize the evil of their deeds, lament them, and ask God to do better. They don’t think they are better than others, nor make excuses.

Lent is a season of self-examination. How should we do it? Quietness is part of it. A list of sins may help. Try to think of instances in the recent past where you have fallen short of Christ-likeness. Remember that God the Father hates sin and must punish it.

Think of: anger, bitterness, cowardice, egoism, envy, fear, gluttony, gossip, exaggeration, immoral thoughts, impatience, lack of love, laziness, lukewarmness, lying, prayerlessness, pride, rudeness, lack of faith, ingratitude.

Confess these sins and any others that come to mind. By means of such reflection and confession God draws closer to you. It offers you the blessings of true piety, pardon and peace. If you have ignored this duty, ask the Holy Spirit to accurately take stock of your attitudes, conduct, and desires. How do they stack up against God’s Word? How do they compare to the life of Christ. What kind of accounting of yourself are you going to be able to give to that Dreadful Judge when it comes to your turn at the Great Divine Tribunal? If your faith is in the Lord Jesus you stand clothed in His perfect righteousness. On the cross He took your punishment. You will come through. Nevertheless, the Bible seems to suggest that you will still be judged. Your sins will come out in the open. This will be shameful. Lent is a time to fast and by God’s grace, identify, and then root out as many sins as possible.

Fasting is not easy on Ash Wednesday. We get weary, weak, and woeful. Notwithstanding, this is a beneficial discipline. During your hours of prayer and fasting and self-examination you may find in your soul much to disappoint and cast down. But if God be with you, you will deepen your life in Christ, and in the end, enjoy much refreshment of soul.

Let us pray.

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