I always cringed when the teachers gave us progress reports in school. They were usually issued halfway through the grading period, and they gave us some indication of what we needed to do to pull our grade up before the end of the term. Some students didn’t need to do anything, but for me it was always a dreaded reminder that it was time to kick it in high gear.

Progress reports show us where we are in relation to where we ought to be. They cause us to reflect and examine and change so that we can be more productive, more successful, more prepared for what lies ahead. They’re called quarterly statements in the financial world, yearly check-ups in the medical field, but what about in the realm of religion?

“Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test” ()?

This is a Biblical principle and expectation. Paul speaks of the need to consistently inspect ourselves to see what progress we have made toward achieving our spiritual goals and how much we have grown since our last examination. We ought to reflect on our weaknesses and make plans to guard against them so that we will be better prepared for our next battle. This involves measuring ourselves according to the perfect law of liberty, to evaluate our commitment to do all that He has commanded us to do.

The standard is the word of God. Not the elders, not the preachers, not the brethren, but the infallible, ageless word of God. It is the revelation of the mind of God, and it alone has the authority to tell us what we must do to be saved. It alone has the authority to give us the principles that should guide our behavior in how we treat one another. Examine yourself in relation to what you have done and what the Bible says you must do. How do you measure up?

The purpose of this progress report or self examination is to see if Christ is in us. If He is not, then we have failed the test. Our problem is that we fill our minds and our bodies with the filth of the world and expect Him to dwell in the midst of it all. Think about it—is Jesus Christ in you? Right now?

In school, progress reports were given with ample time to make the necessary corrections and changes so that you could bring your grade up before it was finalized. If you don’t like the report of your self examination or perhaps you failed the test, won’t you take the time to make yourself right with God? What better way to start this new week than with a renewed dedication and a new life. After all, the final exam is coming.