How can we apply the principle of thorough examination in our spiritual lives? Setting the Scene Leviticus 13:55 says, “After the article has been washed, the priest is to examine it, and if the contamination has not changed its appearance, it is unclean. You must burn it, whether the rot is on the inside or outside.” This picture of the priest’s close, second look after washing a garment teaches us that cleansing alone isn’t enough; careful re-examination is essential to be sure defilement is truly gone. What We Learn from the Priest’s Inspection • Sin can cling stubbornly, even after an initial “washing.” • God assigns spiritual leaders (and ultimately His Word) to identify what we might overlook. • Anything still infected after honest evaluation must be decisively removed, not tolerated. • The standard is complete purity—partial change is not acceptable. Why Spiritual Thoroughness Matters • Hidden faults eventually spread (Galatians 5:9). • A half-clean life misrepresents God’s holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16). • True fellowship and power come only when the heart is wholly surrendered (Psalm 24:3-4). • Thorough examination guards us from self-deception (Jeremiah 17:9). Practical Steps for Daily Examination 1. Invite the Light – Open each day with Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God… See if there is any offensive way in me.” 2. Use the Mirror of the Word – James 1:23-25 urges us not to glance and forget but to look intently and act. Read with a pen in hand, noting attitudes or actions that clash with the text. 3. Apply the Blood, Then Look Again – Confess immediately (1 John 1:9). Afterward, pause and ask: “Is the stain truly gone, or am I excusing it?” 4. Welcome Godly Inspection – Seek the counsel of mature believers who love you enough to speak truth (Proverbs 27:6). 5. Burn What Remains Contaminated – Remove lingering influences—media, habits, relationships—that repeatedly draw you into sin (Matthew 5:29-30). 6. Repeat Regularly – Just as the priest re-checked the garment, schedule periodic spiritual inventories—weekly, monthly, seasonally. Supporting Scriptures • 2 Corinthians 13:5: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.” • Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is living and active…judging the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” • Ephesians 5:26-27: Christ cleanses the church “by the washing with water through the word…without stain or wrinkle.” • Psalm 51:6: God desires “truth in the inmost being.” A Closing Encouragement Persistent, Spirit-led examination does not rob us of joy; it preserves it. As we keep nothing hidden and surrender everything impure, we experience the full freedom and fellowship God intends, shining as garments “without spot or blemish” in a world desperately needing His light. |
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