Self-Examination
W. H. Davison. 1 Corinthians 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. This advice is not peculiar to Christianity. It is an axiom which forms the groundwork of all social well-being. The words "Know thyself" were sculptured on all the noblest public buildings of Greece. Self-knowledge lies at the root of all true wisdom, and is the ground, work of religion. Until we know our sin, we shall not seek for forgiveness; until we know our weakness, we shall not crave for strength. A man's worldly affairs would soon plunge him in ruin if he did not exercise needful supervision, and our spiritual affairs will bring us far worse ruin if we do not give them requisite attention. Consider — I. THE DUTY ENJOINED. 1. To examine does not mean a mere passing glance, but a thorough searching. 2. Let a man examine himself. There is a universal spirit of curiosity, and, generally speaking, it is an agreeable business to enter into the concerns of others. But when it comes to self, it is irksome, for it is very painful to a man's vanity. He would like to feel rather better than other men. But if he dives down into his own inner nature, the result is a most humiliating disappointment. And so we would, like the ostriches who hide their heads in the sand, and thereby think that they are screening their whole bodies, rather not know the truth, because we justly surmise that that truth is unpalatable. II. THE SUBJECTS OF INQUIRY. 1. Our position as regards God — whether we are pardoned and reconciled. Our own hearts will give us the answer in a moment if once we ask the question. 2. The course of our daily conduct. Do we carry out into practice the faith we profess, and the love which ought to be our ruling principle? III. THE METHOD OF CARRYING OUT THE ACTION. There must be — 1. Frequency and regularity. The act must not be an isolated one, performed occasionally, once a year or once week — it must be the constant effort of our souls. 2. Prayerfulness. Of our own selves, we can never hope to be impartial, or persevering, or true. And we shall find out more and more every day how much depends upon Divine grace. (W. H. Davison.) Parallel Verses KJV: But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. WEB: But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup.