Daily Devotion

“Here are four standards for measuring our own morality to keep the commandments of the Bible. 1) Am I honest? Would I lie under any circumstances? Can I keep my promise to tell the truth at any cost? Yes or no? I don't mince words, make excuses, or offer explanations. Yes or no? 2) Am I upright? Can I be absolutely trustworthy with money? Can I do so at work even without supervision? Can I uphold the reputation of others? Yes or no? 3) Am I pure in my own eyes? Or would I make excuses or even protect myself? Are my habits pure? Are my thoughts pure? Are my motives pure? Are my relationships with the opposite sex pure? Yes or no? 4) Am I selfish? Do I make excessive demands on my family, wife, husband, or colleagues? Are my emotions unbalanced? Am I moody, cold one day and warm the next?”

Eric Liddell · A Manual of Christian Discipleship

Scripture

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you have the faith and test yourselves. Do you not know that Jesus Christ is in you, unless you are absolutely certain of rejecting it?

Reflection

Faced with Eric Liddell's "Four Moral Questions" and Paul's teachings, my heart was deeply moved. Before the mirror of honesty, integrity, purity, and selflessness, I often habitually make excuses and justify myself, using "relative kindness" to cover up my inner shortcomings. Especially in the shadows where no one is watching, in the emotionally unbalanced life of a family, selfishness and superficiality are laid bare. This self-examination is not meant to lead me into accusations, but to allow me to honestly confront the state of my life. Faith cannot remain merely lip service; it must be put into practice in every action of choosing to speak the truth, keep one's word, and restrain one's desires. Today, I need to lay down my defenses and come before God to accept the scrutiny of His word.