If questioned on the subject, most of us would say that we are honest people. But are we really honest?
Recently, I had my teeth cleaned. After the cleaning, the dentist examined my teeth. I always dread that because I fear that he will find a problem. And he did. This week, he had to put a filling in a tooth because of an issue he found during that exam.
Sometimes we fear medical exams. Whether it is a dentist looking at an x-ray or a specialist studying an ultra-sound, we pray earnestly that no problems are found. But what if there are problems? Isn't it important to know now and get proper treatment before the problem spirals out of control?
But what if God performs an exam on us? Would that bother you?
The psalmist asked God to perform such an exam. In reality, God does not need such permission. He already knows you thoroughly. The real issue is whether you want to know what He sees.
If we were honest about it, we tend to see ourselves as we wish to be seen rather than the way we really are. God knows the truth about us. If we are serious about truth, we should seek to know the truth about ourselves. We don't need to take an extended vacation, escape reality or live in a monastery in order to seek truth, we simply need to go to the One who knows the truth already. By simply asking God, we save a lot of time, travel and trouble. He knows the truth and is willing to share that truth with us. The big question is, do we really want to know the truth?
The truth may lead to deep levels of humility and repentance. Ultimately, the truth liberates us and draws us closer to God.
God's work of on-going sanctification in our lives requires our knowledge of the truth. Holiness does not come automatically in life. We must acknowledge and embrace the truth.
If we are serious about sanctification, we must do the hard things in life. It begins in prayer. Like David, we should pray, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Secondly, we need to respond properly to the truth. Often this occurs through personal repentance. Repentance is a tough pill for some to swallow, yet it is a proper response to the truth.
It isn't my job to search the lives of others. I am not responsible for their obedience and sanctification. I do have an obligation to seek the truth myself. I need to be sincere in my approach to God. As I am exposed to God's Word, the
truth is revealed. The Word of God is like an x-ray, showing us internal reality that we can't see. This diagnosis should lead us to the Great Physician for the help we desperately need.
While we tend to think of ourselves as being honest, the fact is that we are often oblivious to the truth until God reveals it to us. Then we need to be honest with God and receive that truth and respond obediently.
Do you REALLY want to know the truth? Do you really want to be free of spiritual decay and disease? Then seek God in prayer and His Word.
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