A Self Evaluation Of Your Christian Life

The man called Job experienced sudden calamities and sickness. He didn’t know why these things had happened to him. His friends though were quick to give him their thoughts. Instead of agreeing with their conclusions, he conducted a self evaluation.

“Have I tried to hide my sins like other people do, concealing my guilt in my heart? Have I feared the crowd or the contempt of the masses, so that I kept quiet and stayed indoors? Job 31:33

Chapter 31 is a record of Job’s final protest of innocence. It began with him telling his friends about a covenant he made with himself.

I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust at a young woman. Job 31:1

He mentioned the phrases, “if I” or “if my” a total of 11 times in this chapter. Each of which he considered a different angle in his self evaluation.

He also openly challenged anyone who knew him to respond to his questions. Also, he willingly wanted to face his accuser of any charges against him.

If only someone would listen to me! Look, I will sign my name to my defense. Let the Almighty answer me. Let my accuser write out the charges against me. Job 31:35

Job’s Self Evaluation

His self evaluation brought him to the conclusion of his innocence. Without shame, he was willing to wear the accusations against him so all could see them.

I would face the accusation proudly. I would wear it like a crown. For I would tell him exactly what I have done. I would come before him like a prince. Job 31:36-37

Job’s response wasn’t one of pride but of assurance. He knew the accusations against him carried no weight whatsoever.

Job’s Life was Pleasing to God

Job didn’t know why he was suffering. He didn’t know that twice God bragged about his integrity to Satan. Look below at a segment of the second of the two conversations.

The Lord asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil. And he has maintained his integrity, even though you urged me to harm him without cause.”Job 2:3

At the time when this occurred, which was before the law, men lived according to their conscience.

Job was living exactly how God wanted him to live. His life was guided by a clear conscience. His self evaluation proved it, even though his friends disagreed with him.

Thankfully, Job passed a major test even through all his suffering. Satan was defeated and God rewarded Job more than he could have imagined.

So the Lord blessed Job in the second half of his life even more than in the beginning. For now he had 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 teams of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys. He also gave Job seven more sons and three more daughters. Job 42:12-13

Are You Ready to do a Self Evaluation?

The questions Job asked could be applied to each of us as well. Making this a great way to do your own self evaluation. So go through Job 31 and ask yourself the same questions.

Fortunately, we have the complete Bible which is a road map for us to follow. It guides us so we can stay on the path laid out by the Lord.

God made provision for us just in case we roam off the path. He has supplied us with the Holy Spirit who works along with our conscience. Which will direct us back to that straight and narrow road.

We are Marked by Jesus

Satan doesn’t have the authority to do to us what he did to Job. We have a mediator whose name is Jesus. And when we accept Him into our lives He puts His seal on us.

When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. He is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession. To the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-14

Even Job realized that he needed a mediator between him and God. Check out this related post called, Jesus Is The Mediator That Job Never Had.

Job’s life stands as an example for us. He remained faithful to God even through circumstances that brought him hardship and pain.

He also stayed true to God while absorbing the harsh remarks and criticism from his friends. His wife even urged him to curse God and die, but he didn’t.

No Matter What, Focus on the Lord

So the next time you feel like everything is going against you, think about how Job handled his life’s difficulties.

Keep your eyes on Jesus and stay true to His Word. Focus on Him and keep a clear conscience. He will make sure that you come through your ordeal far better than when it started.

Lord, when circumstances happen or when we just plain mess up, help us to depend on the Holy Spirit. Also, help us keep a clear conscience as we stay true to you.