It is appropriate that we search our ways throughout the year, but especially as Passover approaches in order to see whether or not we have the attributes of true Children of God.  Could it be that many of us have grown complacent and too self-assured of our stand with God?

Jeremiah lamented over the fall of Jerusalem and the scattering of Judah.  He asked, “Why did Jerusalem fall apart when everything seemed to be going so well?”  He calls on the people to examine their part in the transgressions.  What was wrong in Jerusalem?  Why did God withdraw His blessing and support?  It was because our ways did not please God.

“Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.”  (Lamentations 3:40)

With Passover approaching, a key part of our preparation is a meticulous examining of ourselves, our attitudes and actions, and then for us to “turn again,” which means to repent. Yes, repentance is a big part of Passover preparation.

“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return [repent] unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”  (Isaiah 55:7)

"Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.  But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup."  (1 Corinthians 11:27-28)

What are we to look for in examining ourselves?  What questions do we ask ourselves?  “Which bad habits have I overcome since last year?”  Or, “Am I more careful about the language I use?”  In the past, we may have asked ourselves simple questions like those.  Questions such as those are not wrong – but they are not honestly focusing on the overall picture.  What we need to ask ourselves is how does God see us?

It is of the utmost importance that our evaluation of ourselves match God's assessment of us.  We welcome and desire His involvement in our lives.  How do we measure ourselves against the word of God?

"Search me, O God, and know my heart: examine me, and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."  (Psalms 39:23-24)

"Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart."  (Psalms 26:2)

How can we see ourselves for what we are as God sees us when our hearts are desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9)?

Could it be that within God’s Church we are in danger of making the mistake of speaking religious sounding words but in fact exhibiting very little Christian substance?  When we measure that which passes for religious practice in many of our congregations today – it is only a pretense of true Godly faith.  Can it be that we are doing just enough to fool only the most superficial of adherents – and ourselves at the same time?  Where is the seriousness, the faith, the urgency, the reconciliation, the mercy, the humility, the zeal, the sacrifice, the honest introspection, the giving, the caring, the integrity, the spirituality, the submission, the yieldedness, the forgiveness, and the crucial concern for our brother and sister?

Let’s be more specific in the way we search and try our ways.  Let’s ask ourselves questions like:

Did I visit any who were sick, elderly or imprisoned?

When did I last put my reputation and life on the line?

Who did I serve in a meaningful way this year?

Have I forgiven those who opposed me?

Did I take a stand against injustice – and make it count?

When did I actually encourage someone this year?

Was I ashamed of the Gospel?

Have I fully submitted my will to God’s will?

Is my relationship with God sincere and truthful?

Talk is cheap – and God is not fooled by it (Galatians 6:7):

“The Lord said, For as much as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men.”  (Isaiah 29:13)

As we approach Passover, a good yardstick to sincerely examine our Christian progress is to measure our disposition toward all other people – do we love them as God intends?   Have we grown in our desire for all men to be able to enjoy the riches of Jesus Christ?  "Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25:40)

As we grow in spiritual maturity we learn to view ourselves more and more as God sees us.   We no longer justify ourselves – but ask to be justified by the blood of Jesus Christ.   We ask ourselves how much we have taken on a spiritual resemblance to Jesus Christ, our older brother – and how much our thoughts and actions compare to His.  Let's be sure to spend time in prayer and self-examination as Passover approaches.

***

Sermon:

"Let Us Search Our Ways"