“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.”
Romans 12:3
The first step toward medical treatment is always an accurate diagnosis. An incorrect understanding of the illness could lead to medications or surgeries that would make the patient’s condition worse. This is why various tests are performed to confirm a doctor’s initial assessment.
Because “the heart is deceitful above all things” (Jer. 17:9), people are very prone to mis-diagnosing their problems. In the world of addiction and recovery it is well known that the first issue to get past is denial that there is a problem at all. All addicts deflect responsibility away from themselves and blame other people or circumstances beyond their control. According to Jesus, it is even possible to misdiagnose your relationship with God.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”
Matthew 7:21-23
People can have correct theology, calling Jesus “Lord,” but not really be His followers. They can preach (prophesy) in His name, cast out demons and even do miracles in His name, but not be true believers. In the end what matters is whether you truly have a relationship with Jesus – whether He knows you as one of His own. This leads Paul to write:
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
Philippians 2:12
This does not mean that followers of Jesus should live in constant worry about our salvation.
“Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.”
1 John 5:12-13
The Holy Spirit provides a deep and genuine peace for those who belong to the Lord Jesus by faith (Rom. 8:15-16). But if you don’t have that sense of peace; if your heart is troubled within you, then you should take the time to consider if you ever made a genuine commitment to Jesus as your Lord and Savior (Rom. 10:9-10).
The diagnosis is not yet complete. According to 1 Corinthians 3 it is possible to be a follower of Jesus who will get into heaven “as one escaping through the flames.” In other words, you can have a reconciled relationship with God through faith in Jesus but live a Christian life with very little fruit. This is why Jesus exhorts his followers:
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:19-21
As Corey Ten Boom said, “If the devil can’t make you sin, he will make you busy.” Like Martha, the sister of Lazarus, we can be distracted about many things and neglect the main thing (loving and listening to Jesus).
The letter to the church in Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-11) challenges us to assess the true condition of our hearts and lives. First, have you been forgiven and transformed by the grace of the Lord Jesus? Second, are you living for His kingdom first and seeing Him produce fruit in and through your life?
8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. 9 “‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’”
Revelation 2:8-11
Some of us may feel poor in worldly terms, but in God’s sight we are rich. “The last will be first.” Remember the widow who put her 2 pennies into the offering box.
How is the soil of your heart and life? Are you seeing the fruit of character growth and ministry impact? Or is possible fruit being choked by “the cares of life and the deceitfulness of wealth”? Invite the Lord to work in your heart to help you diagnose your true condition. Consider using the Spiritual Life Worksheet and a good Christian friend to assist with your diagnosis and plans for this new year.