How can we apply the principle of careful examination in our spiritual lives? Setting the Scene Leviticus 13 details God’s instructions for diagnosing skin diseases. Verse 32 highlights the priest’s second look: “On the seventh day the priest is to examine the infection, and if the scale has not spread and no yellow hair has appeared in it, and it does not seem deeper than the skin,” (Leviticus 13:32). The priest waited, watched, and then inspected again. God built careful, repeated examination into Israel’s life to protect the people and preserve holiness. Observing the Text • A full week passes before the second inspection. • The priest looks for spread, color change, and depth, not settling for a quick glance. • The goal is clarity—declaring clean or unclean only after thorough evidence. Drawing the Principle: Careful Examination • Spiritual growth also calls for intentional, repeated self-inspection. • Quick assumptions risk misjudging sin or overlooking hidden growth areas. • God values patient, measured discernment instead of hasty verdicts. How to Practice This Today 1. Schedule regular spiritual check-ups. • Set aside a specific day or time each week, modeling the priest’s seventh-day review. 2. Use the mirror of Scripture. • “For the word of God is living and active… discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). • Read slowly, letting the text probe motives rather than skimming for information. 3. Invite outside confirmation. • Just as the priest examined another person’s skin, allow trusted believers to speak into your life (Galatians 6:1). 4. Look for movement, not merely moments. • The priest looked for spread over time. Examine trends in speech, habits, and attitudes, not isolated slips. 5. Refuse shallow evaluations. • “Each one must examine himself” (1 Corinthians 11:28). Surface impressions often miss deeper spiritual infections. Other Passages That Echo the Call • Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart… lead me in the way everlasting.” • 2 Corinthians 13:5: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.” • James 1:23-25: The doer of the word “looks intently” into the perfect law and is blessed. • 1 John 1:9: Confession cleanses when sin is uncovered, not ignored. Putting It into Action This Week • Choose a Bible passage each day and read it twice, pausing to note any conviction or encouragement. • Write a brief end-of-week summary of patterns the Spirit highlighted. • Approach a mature believer for honest feedback on one specific area of life. • Act on what is revealed, trusting that careful examination leads to cleansing and deeper fellowship with the Lord. |
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