“For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged” (1 Cor. 11:31 NKJ).
This verse encourages a self-examination and self-discipline that can prove very beneficial. The whole world system is centered on self-indulgence and self-gratification. The Christian is one who has turned around and is going the other way. The Christian’s lifestyle is one of self-control and self-discipline.
This verse speaks volumes about the Christian’s efforts to walk in the Spirit and deny the tendencies of his inherited Adamic nature. Simply stated, the rule is: judge yourself, and you will not be judged.
The scriptures tell us elsewhere to humble ourselves and the Lord will not have to humble us (James 4:6,10; 1 Pet. 5:5-6). After studying the Bible, I believe that if we will chasten ourselves (this refers to self-discipline, not self-punishment), then we will not have to be chastened by the Lord.
As we willingly accept self-restraints, the Lord does not have to impose restraints on our tendencies to follow our senses rather than the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Many petty, chafing, irritating, and vexing situations could be avoided in our lives if we Christians would only learn to judge ourselves. The way we judge ourselves is by comparing our individual lifestyle to the standard of the Word of God.
When the Holy Spirit, through the Word, reveals and illuminates an area of our personality that needs readjusting, we need to immediately surrender that area to the Lord. Discontinuing any activity which the Lord reveals to us is displeasing to Him, is one important part of judging ourselves.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.