We have all seen war and spy movies where one of the characters was harshly interrogated. The person being questioned is usually tied to a chair and bloodied with a slack chin drooping away from frantic and fearful eyes.
These interrogations are always harsh, occasionally violent, and sometimes deadly. The one thing they all have in common is their intensity and the interrogator’s ruthlessness.
in·ter·ro·gate: ask aggressive questions of someone–especially a suspect or prisoner—to probe and cross-examine.
Many Christians are conducting this kind of interrogation on THEMSELVES!
Self-interrogation of this kind is unhealthy and unproductive. Excessive and extreme. Damning and discouraging.
Listening to evil lies during self-interrogation gives away our joy in Christ.
Yes, God does call us to examine ourselves in 2 Corinthians 13:5, but look how that word differs from interrogate:
ex·am·ine = inspect in detail to determine something or someone’s nature or condition.
Here are my three steps to put a stop to SELF-INTERROGATION and adopt SELF-EXAMINATION:
ONE—OPEN MY BLINDS.
All interrogation rooms are dimly lit and that is exactly the situation when we interrogate ourselves. It is impossible for us to bring God’s light into that self-interrogation room. But we can intentionally open the blinds to allow the light of Christ to flood the room.
TWO—OPEN MY BIBLE.
God’s Word brings perspective to our examination; insight into the health of our faith walk; and forgiveness to our sins.
THREE—OPEN MY HEART.
Only when we are secure in God’s love for us through Christ are we empowered for self-examination that is honest, positive, and hopeful. We don’t need to look inward on ourselves. We need to open our heart and look straight up to God.
I ask God to help me choose Christ-like examination over Satan-produced interrogation.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you interrogating or examining yourself? Is your field of view INWARD or UPWARD?
“Put yourselves to the test and judge yourselves, to find out whether you are living in faith. Surely you know that Christ Jesus is in you?—unless you have completely failed.” 2 Corinthians 13:5
