Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves. Or do you yourselves not recognize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless you fail the test.
2 Corinthians 13:5 (CSB)
Some Christians today, to be sure of their walk with God, to identify their spiritual progress and their level of faith, often compare themselves to others. According to them, if they are in any way like someone they consider to be a mature Christian, then they are also spiritual and can say that they are authentic Christians.
Such analysis of self in relation to others is the result of an ignorance caused by a lack of knowledge. God does not examine us based on the lifestyle of others. Rather, He does so in relation to our obedience to His word and our personal relationship with His Son. Can we say that Peter was more spiritual than Paul for living with Christ? No. Both had their vision, their faith and their attitude in their intimacy with God. However, they had one thing in common: They were both devoted to the ministry entrusted to them.
Paul teaches us that it is up to us to examine ourselves. This is what will help us determine whether we are walking in obedience to God's word, crucifying the desires of the flesh to live according to the spirit, and continuing to seek the presence of God. Such examination will reveal Christ in us. If so, you can conclude that you are in the way of God and that you are also a true Christian. But if it is the opposite, you can still, with the help of the Holy Spirit, repent and seek sanification. Don't disqualify yourself.
May the grace of God be with you all.
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