Let a Man Examine Himself

For many purposes, people are constantly being classified. But quite apart from the classifications into which other people place us, we also constantly classify ourselves. It is a common human characteristic for men to seek their own element, and to associate with such people as they themselves are. With freedom, humankind gravitate to congenial surroundings and to congenial associations. We find those of common interests gathering together to speak their common language. Thieves associate with thieves. People of kindred tastes and hobbies and likes and dislikes tend to patronize the same places and to frequent the same atmosphere. When we have our choice, we judge ourselves every day, without waiting for the judgments of heaven and the hereafter. We judge ourselves by the company we voluntarily keep, by the places for which we show preference, by the thoughts we permit ourselves to think, by the surroundings we seek. And those who are concerned about ultimate justice and judgment may find part of their answer in their own voluntary pursuits, here and now. We are reminded of one eminent man’s remark. “. . . Whoever would be likely to feel at home in heaven would be found there when the time comes.”¹ It would not seem likely that people would be much more comfortable in incompatible places or with incompatible people out of this world than they would be in it. And perhaps what each man should decide for himself is what kind of company he wants to live with, and then conduct his life so as to be comfortable in that kind of company. In other words, decide where you want to be and with whom you would like to be, and earn the right to be there. As Paul the apostle advised, “. . . let a man examine himself.”²