Meet Sonja McCuen

Paul wrote as a father to his children. He had the authority of God behind him, yet he tenderly loved the people. They were expecting a powerful and charismatic apostle. When Paul visited them, he appeared weak, gentle, and humble. Remind you of anyone? Think: Jesus.

As they questioned Paul's authority, he turned their pointing fingers around. After all, he had shared the gospel with them. The life change they experienced was evidence of God's power working through Paul's message. He exhorted them to examine themselves and judge whether they were living according to God's perfect standards.

Some commentators believe that Paul was writing to Christians who were justified but not growing in their devotion. Others suggest there were those in the church who were not true followers of Christ. The process of examination would determine whether they were truly converted. This recalls Jesus' words when He taught about a tree and its fruit (Matthew 7:15-20). Jesus began by acknowledging that false prophets appear as sheep, but they are wolves. By their fruit they will be recognized. Healthy trees produce good fruit. Sick trees produce bad fruit. Just as Paul had the authority to correct the church at Corinth, so elders and leaders have God's authority to correct those within the church.

My father was a lab technologist in a hospital. He spent his career looking through a microscope to determine if cells were healthy. A consistent understanding of healthy cells helped him identify unhealthy cells. Abnormalities and disease could be identified and treated because of his examination. Without his inspection, patients could not be diagnosed accurately. The same is true of our faith. Believers in Christ can examine ourselves every day to ensure our actions are consistent with God's instructions. Our humanity ensures we will fail. With God's grace and the prompting of the Holy Spirit, we can judge ourselves and avoid God's judgment (1 Corinthians 11:31).

If someone has loved you enough to ask you to examine your heart, thank them. They are more concerned about God's best for you than your approval (Galatians 1:10).