The Necessity of Proving Yourself
What Does It Mean to “Prove Yourself”?
Galatians 6:3-4
“For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.”
The word "prove" in Galatians 6:4 comes from a Greek word meaning “to test, examine, scrutinize to see whether something is genuine.” Paul’s message is clear: every believer must evaluate their own spiritual life.
It’s easy to get caught up in the spiritual momentum of a good church. You can attend powerful services, feel the presence of God, and still not be personally contributing. You might say “we had great church today” but did you pray? Did you worship? Did you invest?
Spiritual fulfillment isn’t meant to come from someone else’s effort. Paul warns: don’t deceive yourself. Real joy comes from knowing your walk with God is genuine and fruitful, not borrowed from others.
The Danger of Spiritual Self-Deception
2 Corinthians 13:5
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves…”
Paul told the Corinthian church to stop scrutinizing others and start examining their own faith. Many believers are quick to diagnose the spiritual shortcomings of others, yet blind to their own. But self-deception is easy when we lack honest reflection.
Ask yourself some challenging questions:
- Have I been faithful in prayer?
- Do I live a life that reflects Christ?
- Am I investing in the Kingdom or just observing it?
We aren’t called to evaluate others. We’re called to evaluate ourselves.
Three Responsibilities of Christian Self-Evaluation
- Know Your Own Heart
Ask yourself: Why do I do what I do for God?
Motives matter. Serving out of guilt or routine is not the same as serving out of love and devotion. - Know Your Own Influence
Your life affects others. Your family, coworkers, friends, and even strangers are impacted by how you live.
Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1) stood before the king doing his daily job. The king noticed something was wrong because Nehemiah had never looked burdened in his presence before. His joy had always been visible. Your everyday life testifies of your walk with God. - Know Your Own Deeds
Are you spiritually productive? Are your actions building the Kingdom or simply maintaining a good image?
Use the Right Measuring Stick
Amos 7:7-8 paints a picture of God holding a plumb line—a tool used in construction to ensure straight alignment. God’s Word is our plumb line. Not our friends. Not our culture. Not our emotions.
2 Corinthians 10:12 says:
"They measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."
If you compare yourself to someone doing less, you’ll feel confident. But it’s not about being better than someone else. It’s about living up to what God has called you to be.
It’s Not About Guilt. It’s About Growth.
Self-evaluation is not meant to bring shame. It’s meant to bring clarity. When we evaluate ourselves, we’re not looking for a reason to beat ourselves down. We’re looking for the places we can grow.
You can’t fix what you don’t acknowledge. You can’t grow if you don’t examine what’s holding you back.
Why The Practice of Spiritual Self-Evaluation Matters
Some believers wait for a sermon to convict them. But true growth happens when you’re willing to check your own heart without needing someone else to point it out.
At the end of his life, Paul wrote:
2 Timothy 4:7-8
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith...”
Paul could look back and say, “I did what I was called to do.” That’s the goal. Not to wonder what you could have been, but to know you fulfilled your purpose.
Self-evaluation is your spiritual warning light
The engine hasn’t failed yet, but something might need attention. Don’t wait for a spiritual breakdown to make a change. Start now. Look inward. Prove your own work.