|
 "Observe
thyself as thy greatest enemy would do, so shalt thou be thy
greatest friend." (Jeremy Taylor)
Few
things would profit us more than an honest and frequent
self-examination such as recommended by Mr. Taylor. In fact, the
Bible teaches that such introspection is absolutely essential to
improvement and repentance. Only as one is willing to give
serious thought to his own spiritual condition can he ever face
up to his shortcomings. Without acknowledgement of sin there can
be no repentance and apart from repentance there can be no
salvation (Lk. 13:3). Thus, we see a strong correlation between
self-examination and salvation.
Such
a correlation can be seen in what Solomon says in Lam. 3:40,
"Let us search and try our ways and turn again unto the
Lord". The turning that brings one unto the Lord comes as
the result of searching and trying our ways. The Psalmist says
essentially the same thing: "I thought on my ways, and
turned my feet unto thy testimonies, I made haste, and delayed
not to keep thy commandments." (Ps. 119:59, 60). Here, the
sense of urgency in his
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obedience commandment keeping) and his turning are related to his thinking on his
ways.
Nowhere
are these principles better exemplified than in the story of the
prodigal son. The turning point in his life came when he began
to think on his ways. He remembered haw good things bad been at
home and with his Father. In humility, he reflected on his sins
and foolish mistakes. He saw his own unworthiness. Thinking on
his ways brought REALIZATION. With the realization came the
RESOLVE "I will arise and go to my father, and will say
unto him..." (Lk. 15:18). With the resolve then comes the
DOING: "And he arose and came to his father" (v. 20.)
Then, the beautiful scene of RECONCILIATION. And it all began
when the lost son began to think on his ways; when "he came
to himself."
Like
this boy, many sinners continue to waste their lives in the land
of "do-as-you- please." The Father waits. The road
home is still there for all who will come — by first coming to
themselves. Dan S. Shipley
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