GENUINE FAITH

II Cor. 13:5 Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is among you, it means you have failed the test.

First, the Apostle Paul is addressing the church at Corinth. He is challenging them to take an honest look at themselves and determine whether or not the faith they profess and teach is for real. He reminded them of the fact that if Jesus was indeed the Lord of their church, it would show. Jesus in the house means that the house shows it. Where Jesus is, there is a noticeable likeness to Jesus. What is true of the church is true for those who make up the church, you and I.

Are you up to the challenge? Are you willing to take a serious and honest look at yourself to see if your faith is genuine? How does your faith hold up in the daily grind of life? Does your faith make a difference in how you look at things, the way you handle things, and the way you approach things? Does your faith influence the reasons why you do what you do and say what you say? Does your faith determine what you are living for? Does it make a difference in how you handle the tough times of your life? Do others see Jesus in you wherever you are at?

Test yourself. If you cannot honestly say that Jesus has changed you and how you deal with living, then can you honestly claim that He is your Savior? Jesus in not an ornament we wear around our hearts; He is a changer of our hearts. Jesus always makes changes in us to make us holy in God's eyes.