19. SELF EXAMINATION URGED. A time of deep, personal heart searching. Evaluating ourselves, not according to our standards nor yet the standards of our church. Rather, taking the Word of the Lord and allowing its marvelous light to shine into every nook and cranny of our heart. 2 Cor.13:5a We dare not measure ourselves by ourselves, nor compare ourselves with others for that is most unwise. 2 Cor. 10:12 The Lord is building His temple, of which we all may have a part, providing we measure up to the standard which has been established. In the tabernacle and the temple the measurements of each and every curtain and board were to be identical. Ex. 26:2 How much more is there a permanent measurement fixed whereby we may compare ourselves. Every time we read or hear the Word of the Lord we are having the measuring rod applied to our lives. Self measurement is a matter of spiritual self preservation. We dare not delude ourselves into thinking that we are more spiritual than what we really are. Therefore, we put ourselves to the test to see whether or not we are really in the faith. The ultimate goal is, Christ in you. If He is not, then we have deceived ourselves and according to Paul are reprobate. 2 Cor. 13:5b Hard words indeed. However the consequences are eternal. If we really belong to the Lord, we will do things His way and not ours.
THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD MUST PASS INSPECTION. That it will be thoroughly examined there is no question. The temple of the Lord, that which is eternal and is His Bride must be measured. In the Book of Revelation the temple [the Bride] is first measured with a reed. Rev. 11:1 The Greek word, kalamos is used here and is translated in 3 John 13 as a writing pen. We may then consider the reed to be the Word. The reed was evident in the life of the Lord Jesus. In mockery, as the scepter of a king. Mt. 27:29 In derision and beating. Mt. 27:30 In cruelty, they gave Him vinegar on a sponge on the end of a reed. Mt. 27:48 He suffered for us and is thereby made to be our measurement. The Bride is once again measured. This time the finished product, the New Jerusalem. Measure by a golden reed, the reed of the greatest intrinsic value. Rev. 21:15 THE MEASURE OF A MAN. Granted a very special man. However, the same Spirit that was His guide and source of power is made available to all who call upon His name. The goal is to acquire the same stature that is to be found in the Lord Jesus. He is our champion. He is the one whom we must desire to emulate in this world. The life, the maturity, the stature that He demonstrated in His life on earth is the divine requirement for a woman who will be suitable enough to be His Bride. The word stature indicates a companion who is comparable. One who is of the same power and size. True, the standard is high but the prize is of the utmost value and is eternal. Eph. 4:13d To be made like unto the Son of God is the heart cry of every true Christian. The future of the church is exciting as we continue to walk in the light of His Word and allow it to do its work in us. There are no limits to the abilities of the Lord. He has declared it and it shall be.