I Exam
Several weeks ago, I went to the ophthalmologist to get an eye exam. I had been having some blurred vision in the eye that my daughter accidentally scratched a couple years earlier. The nurse and doctor gave me a battery of tests – drops, reading charts, looking through tunnels, and looking for bright and faint lights. These tests were not fun at all. The end result, however, was that I would need reading glasses. I hate eye exams, but I love that I am able to see words on the pages clearly. Not only do I hate eye exams, but I am not crazy about "I Exams" either.
An I Exam (self examination) is the reflection on one's own character, motives and actions, in order to judge whether they are truly aligned with God's values. Self-examination is the key to change and progress in our lives, ministries and businesses. When I have failed to do the hard work of self-examination, it has led me to pride and self-delusion. It is difficult internal work (which is always the most painful) because our hearts are deceitfully and desperately evil, and we are afraid of what is going to be revealed. However, I Exams help us to bring the page of our life into focus, so we can see where we are headed in our lives.
The good news is that God is willing to help us in our I Exams. But, he will not cross the picket line of our unwillingness, but awaits to be invited into the deepest places of our hearts so that he can cross- examine us. In this cross examination, he tests our motives and affections.
I Exams are not fun, but the purpose of them is to lead people to God and to align their lives with his value system. Moreover, the purpose of I Exams is to, with confidence and integrity, make a great impact on the world. Socrates said, "He that would move the world, must first move himself."
How often do you get an I Exam? How has God used self-examination to help you change your life?
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Tags: Self Examination
March 15th, 2009 at 5:30 am
When I go to the opthalmagist and allow myself to undergo an examination, it’s because I am aware of a problem I wish treatment for. But I might have a problem in my character i am unaware of. I might think I’m just fine and might not be willing to put up with the poking and proding that comes along with an I exam. I am usually not willing to initiate an I exam, not realizing there’s a problem. I therefore resent the examination and what it all entails.