2 Cor. 13:5; 3:14-18 “wherever he is Lord, there is freedom” TPT.

Evaluate is to examine carefully. Elevate is to step up in our walk with him, to grow in Christlikeness.

The purpose of the self-evaluation is not to condemn or discourage. It’s to inspire repentance and growth. God gave us examples in his word of those who progressively grew in their faith and knowledge of God (Peter, Mark).

Questions to evaluate ourselves honestly:

I. Am I in Christ? 2 Cor 13:5; 5:20, 21

To be in Christ, Jesus said we must be born again or born of God’s Spirit. God’s Spirit is the one who convicts us of our sin and draws us to believe in our heart that Jesus is the sinless, crucified, and resurrected Lord. Christianity is not just intellectual information, it’s heart transformation.

When we believe God’s word and receive Jesus as Lord, he forgives all our sins, gives us his righteousness, and places his Spirit in our heart. He gives us the desire and power to do God’s will.

II. Am I growing in Christlikeness? Eph. 4:15 NLT 1 Cor. 11:28, 29

Growing in Christlikeness is a lifelong process that will continue until we see him. Examine yourself, not others. Self-evaluation can be uncomfortable. Again, the purpose of evaluation is not condemnation, but elevation.

Some of the people in the church at Corinth did not discern the Lord’s body. They were selfish and caused divisions in Christ’s body, the church. Christlikeness is not self-focused and self-pleasing. Christlikeness can make us better spouses, parents, sons, daughters, friends, employees or employers, students, and citizens.

To grow in Christlikeness is to grow in the fruit of God’s Spirit Gal. 5:22, 23. Christlikeness is spiritual wellness, which can lead to mental and emotional wellness. And inner wellness can produce physical wellness. Christlikeness helps us overcome fear and anxiety, leads us to move on from the past, and overcome evil with good.

The only way we grow in Christlikeness is to stay in close fellowship with him Jn. 15:5.

God uses people and circumstances to draw us continually to himself and his will. We stay in close fellowship with the Lord by developing a lifestyle of receiving and thinking on God’s word, prayer, worship, fellowship, and outreach Acts 2:42, 46, 47.

We all fall short at times. Remember, it’s a lifelong process. Get back up and keep going. Focus on progress, not perfection.

Let’s take a practical step. What is one area you want to grow in Christlikeness right now?

Will you focus on staying in close fellowship with the Lord this week and ask him to help you?

He loves you and wants you to be close to him. Enjoy being with him.

Evaluate to elevate.