On Sunday we had the privilege to hear from Jim Burns. As he preached on the subject of finishing well, he emphasized the need to do some preparatory work long before we find ourselves in the last season of life.
It got me to thinking about how we can prepare for that season. And I began to hear the voice of my old 10th grade Algebra teacher. She was a good teacher, very committed to her students. And like most teachers, she had a stock set of phrases she used every day.
You can probably imagine her walking around the room at the end of a math test, reminding the students several times, “Don’t forget to check your work.” It is one thing to take the test, answer the problems and submit the paper. It is quite another thing to take the time to painstakingly rework each problem and check the numbers for accuracy. But checking our work almost assuredly guaranteed a stronger grade.
Truth is, “check your work” is an admonishment that we all need to hear every day. For the believer, that “check” starts with a personal examination to make sure we are in the faith (II Cor. 13:5). Salvation is simple but not easy. It requires a commitment to Christ that should not be taken lightly.
But our faith is not the only subject that requires some examination. Consider the admonition in James 1:23-25, where we are enjoined to look intently into the “mirror of our lives.” This isn’t a quick glance, but an intentional gaze that examines our own behavior and attitude. It is a thorough look at our motives, our intentions and the decisions we are making.
Are we responsive to the Holy Spirit? Is the Lord the determining factor in all our choices, decisions and plans? Have we taken the time to clearly examine why we do or do not obey the precepts laid out by the Lord? Do we hate the things that displease our heavenly Father?
Do we love our family in the same way He loves us? Are we developing and displaying the Fruit of the Spirit in our work world? Are we sensitive to evil? Do we care about the “least” among us? Are we doing all for the glory of God?
Maybe this is a great week to stare deeply into that “mirror” of self-examination and make a plan for improvement. There really is value in checking our work and finishing well!
It got me to thinking about how we can prepare for that season. And I began to hear the voice of my old 10th grade Algebra teacher. She was a good teacher, very committed to her students. And like most teachers, she had a stock set of phrases she used every day.
You can probably imagine her walking around the room at the end of a math test, reminding the students several times, “Don’t forget to check your work.” It is one thing to take the test, answer the problems and submit the paper. It is quite another thing to take the time to painstakingly rework each problem and check the numbers for accuracy. But checking our work almost assuredly guaranteed a stronger grade.
Truth is, “check your work” is an admonishment that we all need to hear every day. For the believer, that “check” starts with a personal examination to make sure we are in the faith (II Cor. 13:5). Salvation is simple but not easy. It requires a commitment to Christ that should not be taken lightly.
But our faith is not the only subject that requires some examination. Consider the admonition in James 1:23-25, where we are enjoined to look intently into the “mirror of our lives.” This isn’t a quick glance, but an intentional gaze that examines our own behavior and attitude. It is a thorough look at our motives, our intentions and the decisions we are making.
Are we responsive to the Holy Spirit? Is the Lord the determining factor in all our choices, decisions and plans? Have we taken the time to clearly examine why we do or do not obey the precepts laid out by the Lord? Do we hate the things that displease our heavenly Father?
Do we love our family in the same way He loves us? Are we developing and displaying the Fruit of the Spirit in our work world? Are we sensitive to evil? Do we care about the “least” among us? Are we doing all for the glory of God?
Maybe this is a great week to stare deeply into that “mirror” of self-examination and make a plan for improvement. There really is value in checking our work and finishing well!
Sherry Worel
Sherry Worel is a Bible teacher at heart and lives a life of ministry. She’s been involved at Coast Hills teaching Women’s LIFE, Bible studies, online courses, devotionals, participating in Upstream conversations, and much more. Having a love for education, Sherry has over 50 years of teaching experience with schools, churches, and mission agencies. As well as earning her Master’s at Talbot Seminary, she rounded out her education with 35 years as Head of School at Stoneybrooke Christian School. Sherry is happiest with a book or fishing pole in hand.