Musick-al Note # 105
One of the hardest things for men to do is to measure himself/herself objectively. Our egos, habits, emotions and thinking are so interconnected that it seems impossible to do, yet our Lord wants us to know ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5). This means we must be willing to take stock of ourselves so we may measure and really know ourselves. When we think of our abilities, talents and responsibilities, how do we measure ourselves? Do we constantly short change ourselves when asked to do a certain job, saying we just “can’t”, or “I am not able”, “I’m not qualified”, or “others are better”, in order to excuse ourselves from the effort involved?
When we measure our giving, do we again short change ourselves? We just “can’t” give more or give to help someone or give to extend our work, or do we so measure ourselves and our ability to give because we want to keep more for ourselves?
When we think of our attendance, how do we measure up? Do we “have” to attend? I just don’t have time for that much “church going”. Is too much expected of us to attend “all” the services of the church? How do we measure up anyway? Do we attend to worship God, sing praises to Him, show our love and devotion or do we attend because we “have to”? Do we come to obtain strength for life, strengthening others or to fulfill the law? Do we take every opportunity to develop and grow or try to get by with as little as possible?
How do we measure spiritually? Are we filled with love, hate or indifference? Do we think of the awe of God and the majesty of Christ or the sin, littleness and bigotry of man? Do we see the concept of the brotherhood of man or consider others in a different caste and denigrate them as unworthy of friendship? Do we have the desire to help or do we hinder others in Christian living? Do we worship God or do we merely attend? Do we live for Him or for self? Only you can measure your spirituality. Let us measure ourselves by the Word of God.
Gordon Musick
Musick-al Notes 