The apostle Paul wrote, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (2 Corinthians 13-5). It is much easier for us to examine the other person, in fact, our examination of them is much more critical than an examination of our own self would be. We can easily see the faults of others, but tend to overlook our own, even excuse them. With these thoughts in mind, I would like for each of us to take the following personal evaluation test. We will let each one count for ten points, since there will be a total of ten. Please be honest in your answers, and see just how well you score.

1. I sincerely believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

2. My highest ambition in life is to serve God.

3. I am doing what I can to prepare to be of more use in God’s service.

4. I consider the joys and interests of this life small in comparison to the
future hope that I have in Christ.

5. I read my Bible because God’s Word is a source of strength and
direction in my life.

6. I speak to God regularly in prayer and bring every care to Him.

7. I attend all of the services of the church because I want to, not
because I have to.

8. I have tried to be a blessing to someone during the past few weeks.

9. I have spoken to a non-Christian about the gospel during the past week.

10. I am eager to share my material blessings with others, and am looking for such opportunities.

Well, how did you score on the test? Are you satisfied with your grade? More importantly, is God pleased with your score? Are there not areas in which all of us can improve in our daily living? Remember, we not only live before God, but we live with and before our fellowman. We are exerting an influence upon them that is either good or bad. We are either leading them to Christ or away from Christ by the example that we set before them. After self-examination, may each of us determine to make corrections where needed before it is too late. After all, there is coming a time when we are going to be examined by the Lord, but it will be too late then to make corrections. They must be made NOW! As the song says, “Today is the day of salvation, tomorrow may be too late.” This, of course, is based on the passage which reads, “...behold now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Author: Virgil Hale — Copied from Central, Clearwater’s bulletin

Peter closed his first epistle with this urgent call: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time, casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6,7).

Humility is a uniquely Christian virtue all want, but few have. It is hard to understand and acquire, for when we think we have it we just lost it! Perhaps I can illustrate. I once read of a fellow with a false sense of humility. He had supposedly written two books. The first was Humility, and How I Attained It. The second was America’s Ten Greatest Men, and How I Chose The Other Nine.

The opposite of humility is pride. The proud make themselves vulnerable because they refuse to recognize their own vulnerability. Solomon warned: “When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2). “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

The Bible urges Christians to humbly serve. “...God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble...Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:6,10).

A little boy was trying out for a part in the school play. His mother said he had his heart set on being in it, though she feared he wouldn’t be chosen. On the day the parts were awarded, she made a special point of being at the door when school was out in order to lessen what she thought would be a terrific blow to his ego.

The school doors opened and hundreds of children poured out, and along with them came her son. He rushed up to his mother, eyes shining with pride and excitement, as he bursts out the words: “I made it! I’ve been chosen to clap and cheer!” The humble rejoice in whatever part they are given, big or small.

James Madison served as President of the United States for 8 years. At the close of his second term he moved back home to Virginia and served as a justice of the peace. John the Baptist said of Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). These are two examples of real humility.

We would be wise to follow the divine directive and humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord!

Copied from the Sixth and Washington Streets Bulletin Marietta, Ohio

For attractive lips,
speak words of kindness.

For beautiful eyes,
look for the good in others.

To lose weight,
let go of stress, hatred and anger.

To improve your ears,
listen to the Word of God.

For poise, walk with knowledge
and self-esteem.

To strengthen your arms,
hug at least 3 people a day.

To strengthen your heart,
forgive yourself and others.

For the ultimate in business,
casual or evening attire,
put on the robe of Christ;
It fits like a glove
but allows room for growth.
Best of all, it never goes out of style and is appropriate for any occasion.

Doing these things on a daily basis
will certainly make you a more beautiful person.

Copied from The Sandusky Sower