Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart…see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Some of us might not want to admit it, but we all have a little Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde inside us. As Robert Louis Stevenson wrote in his book, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, “If I am the chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers also.”  For those living in a sinful lifestyle, few can admit that he or she isn’t suffering. Sin and suffering go hand in hand because of the consequences of all the stupid decisions. There is an internal battle of wills spinning inside us – the good v. the evil – causing extreme controversy within us.

But there is also something unnoticeable – something that doesn’t need to hide in dark alleys or secret hallways. There is a  part of us that shows up to church, puts on the mask, goes to great lengths to look respectable and be respectable, demonstrates false humility so that we can cloak ourselves to gain the approval of others. God needs to uncover and reveal these attitudes to us.

Consider the following and ask God to search your heart if any of these characteristics live within you:

1. A  love of self. Catering to your every need; focusing upon only your personal interests; desiring money and material possessions are all characteristics which indicate a love of self.

2. Looking for something better. If you are married and you feel it is ok to text or entertain thoughts of the opposite sex (not your spouse), you are drifting into some dangerous water. Going to sites on the internet which you know are not appropriate is damaging your soul. Stop making excuses and just flat-out quit doing it.

3. Dishonesty. Covering the truth or evading an issue is being dishonest. It is wrong in the eyes of God. Speak the truth and do what is right, even if you will be harmed by it.

4. Jealousy. God has gifted each and every one of us. Do not feel angry at someone because they sing better than you or run faster than you do. Tap into your own talents and make them work for your life.

5. Exploding temper. There is no excuse for losing your temper. If you have anger issues, get control of it now. I had a friend who treated his dog better than he treated his kids. Stop yelling. Stop stomping around like you are the only one who matters. Get control.

6. Adoration. If you are constantly looking for praise or you help someone for something in return, you need to take a look at your attitude. Stop expecting something. Christ came as a servant. He never asked us to do anything in return. All that He did, He did for us.

7. Pride. There is always someone prettier, smarter, thinner, faster, younger, older, wiser, better educated. Deflate your head. You are not the cats meow. Your opinion is no better or no more important than mine or anyone elses. Your skin color doesn’t make you better; your money doesn’t make you better; your big house doesn’t make you better. Come down off your high horse.

Some of you carry these traits around and you do not even know it. Ask God to search your heart and reveal to you what you are doing so that you can become the man or woman He has created and called you to be.