Stand in the Gap, Self Test

Mark Dunagan
09/19/99 - Sunday Morning

 

Stand In The Gap

Self-Test

 

 

 

The Bible stresses the importance of self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:28; Hebrews 4:12). All believers should want to be as pure and godly as possible (Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way").

 

THE SCRIPTURES TO CONTEMPLATE

"Therefore, however you want people to treat you, so treat them" (Matthew 7:12).

"You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39).

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34-35).

"Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things" (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23).

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her….So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself" (Ephesians 5:25,28).

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for our own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:3-5).

"Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart" (2 Timothy 2:22).

"You husbands likewise, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with a weaker vessel, since she is a woman; and grant her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered" (1 Peter 3:7)..

"And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4).

"For I have chosen him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice" (Genesis 18:19).

"but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15).

 

The Questions

 

On a scale of one to five, one being really bad and five being really good, please honestly evaluate yourself with the following questions.

1. I read the Bible (or Bible stories) with my children.

2. I pray with my family before meals.

3. I pray with my wife beyond meal time.

4. I pray with my children beyond meal time.

5. My children see me enjoying the Scriptures during my own study time.

6. I talk to my children about spiritual, eternal things while we are driving, working, and playing.

7. I do not view any media that I would be embarrassed to watch or see with my children, or someone else I respect (like an elder, parent, or grandparent).

8. I do not have a "roving eye".

 

9. My children see me enjoying a beautiful and fulfilling marriage.

10. I show physical affection to my children.

 

11. My children see physical affection between me and my wife.

 

12. My wife and children are treated with respect, honor and dignity.

 

13. My wife would describe me as a man who has self control.

14. I am honest with my family.

15. My wife would describe me as energetic and diligent.

16. I serve my family—I do not wait to be served.

17. I am optimistic about our future. I do not have a negative attitude.

18. I appreciate the advice and constructive criticism that my wife offers to aid me to reach my potential.

 

19. When family problems come up I do not hide physically or emotionally.

20. I take the lead in setting a pleasant mood in the family.

21. I build up my wife’s confidence, and encourage her to reach her potential as a Christian, wife, and mother.

22. I do not emphasize monetary support of my family, over spiritual, emotional, and mental support.

23. My daily use of time reflects what I profess to be my priorities, or what I am seeking first.

24. As a family, we are growing stronger and closer.

25. My wife and I enjoy good meaningful conversation.

26. My wife would describe me as supportive, kind, generous, and patient.

27. I do not neglect the loving discipline of my children.

28. After my children are disciplined, they remain secure in my love for them.
30. If my children reach my level of spirituality when they reach the age that I am, I know I will have succeeded as a father.

30. I do not withhold affection from my wife because things are not going my way in our relationship. I attempt to solve our problems with love.

31. I willingly and clearly apologize to my wife and or children when I have been wrong.

32. I actively seek to involve myself in the Lord’s work. I have initiative and seek opportunities to serve in the local congregation, not waiting to be asked.

 

33. I am helping my wife to be hospitable, so that we can get to know the Lord’s people, and better love and serve them.

 

34. My wife and I hold each other accountable for the spiritual well being of our family.

 

35. I am aware of the talents which my children possess and the individual obstacles that they need to overcome in their own personalities.

 

36. When my children are having a problem I don’t look the other way. I see the things which could cause them to stumble and I design a plan with my wife for helping them.

 

37. I help get the family ready for worship.

 

38. I know if my children’s Bible lesson is done in time for class.

 

Mark Dunagan/Beaverton Church Of Christ/644-9017

www.ch-of-christ.beaverton.or.us