Well done, good and faithful servant; (Matthew 25:23
Self Evaluation
I do not know if I am a good sculptor. The few times I have attempted such art, I have stared at the finished work and wondered. At times I look, and think, “wow, that looks pretty good, Penning!” But two minutes later I look, and think, “Is that a giraffe or the Prophet Jeremiah?”
It is easier to evaluate others’ work… but very difficult to evaluate my own. I am either over critical, or overly kind.
The same is true when evaluating our own actions, words, and thoughts. We easily become (unfairly) our own worst critics, or we easily become (unfairly) our own biggest fans.
If we had to evaluate our hearts, souls, and minds, we would not be able to ascertain accurately whether we fit into “well done, good and faithful servant;” (Matthew 25:23) or “I am a worm.” (Psalm 22:6)
But God sees Christians completely clothed in Christ’s robes. Our analysis of ourselves is irrelevant, and usually not accurate. While we might find value in understanding ourselves as honestly as we can, ultimately our standing before God, our adherence to His standards, our place on the “well done” to “worm” continuum does not determine our eternal, or present, fate.
Because only Christ does.
God’s Grace is given to His children without regard to exactly where we are on the continuum. We all fail, we all fall short, we all flunk out… but God, with almost disregard for our standing, gives Grace to His people.
Do not get lost in the maelstrom of self-evaluation. Such efforts and attentions are, as the Preacher says in Ecclesiastes, vanity.
Christ alone.