Daily Self-Examination: A Guide for the Soul

Daily Self-Examination: A Guide for the Soul
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” (2 Corinthians 13:5)

I. The Morning Commitment (Starting the Day)

* The Goal of Glory: Do I intend to do anything today, in soul or body, but what tends to the glory of God?
* The Urgency of Time: Am I resolved to "live with all my might" while I do live, not losing one moment of time to worthless activities?
* The Presence of God: Am I starting this day with a "recollected" spirit, staying aware of God's presence in every planned business?
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II. The Mid-Day Review (Walking in the World)

* The Master of My Members: Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am (hypocrisy)?
* The Tongue and Heart: Have I spoken evil of anyone today? Was my speech guided by "pure and simple truth" and benevolence?
* The Lure of the Old Master: Am I a slave to dress, friends, work, or habits? Have I dallyed with any "occasions of sin" this afternoon?

III. The Nightly Inquiry (Reflecting Before Sleep)

* The Diagnosis of Sin: Where have I been negligent today? What specific sin have I committed that I must now "trace back to its original cause"?
* The Reality of Christ: Has the Bible "lived in me" today? Is Christ real to me right now, or have I merely gone through the motions?
* The Comfort of Grace: If I were to hear the "last trump sound" within the hour, would I be afraid to face the judgment with the actions I performed today?

V. The "Gift" Check: Motives of the Heart

* Unmerited Service: Did I serve God today for "wages" (to get something from Him) or for "love" (because of the gift He already gave me)?
* Assurance of Love: What is the "one thing in me" today that caused me to doubt the love of God, and how can I direct all my forces against it?

A Puritan Proverb for the Pocket:
"Be killing sin or it will be killing you." — John Owen