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  • Does your mind skip ahead of you?
  • Do you ever start a checklist in your mind before you have all the information?

Many of us constantly operate in “checklist” mode.

For example, the “checklist” mode may be operational when we read the Bible.

Let’s look at 2 Corinthians 13:5

Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test? NASB

With words such as examine, test, and fail… a checklist seemed in order! And if I am not careful, my thoughts will gravitate to passing judgment as I explained in the preceding post.

I should be farther along…I better get to work

Context

So, back to the verse. Paul is writing his second letter to the Corinthians. He had spent a lot of time with the people of Corinth and was preparing to return and address a serious issue. He wanted the Corinthians to consider something very important before he arrived.

My auto-response

Years went by without my taking the time to read what the “important something” was. When I read the words, “examine” and “test” I thought … “I have work to do – get out the checklists.”

That is to say, I started to evaluate my behavior using the checklists I had made for myself. I assumed my role was to live in constant vigilance over my behavior. After all, Jesus saved me but I was pretty convinced it was up to me to maintain salvation.

Slow down Shell … read the full verse

 … Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?

Paul is asking them the crucial question. “Do they believe that Jesus is their salvation or have they put their trust in someone or something else?

Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Romans 8:10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. NIV

Why do we love checklists so much?

Checklists give us a feeling of control. Our sinful nature is always looking to take control. We want to have a part to play in our salvation. We feel secure when we can check things on a list. Is that really where you want your security to be? No!

Our faith is a relationship with the Creator of the Universe. We frequently focus on behavior modification, leading us to believe that we alone are responsible for keeping ourselves in check. We have been given a new life in Christ and He that started it is faithful to complete it. (see Philippians 1:6)

Yes, we cooperate. I am not suggesting sloppy living.

But… Instead of a checklist …

Perhaps we could do an inventory list of what God has done for us

Your Turn

  • What would it be like to meditate on what God has done for you?
  • What would you add to the inventory list of what God has done for us?

I couldn’t go much further than Romans 5:1-2 before I fell to my knees in gratitude and worship.

Put the verses you think about in the comments.

See you along the Path, enjoying what He has done,

Shell