How many times have you tried to talk with someone about a subject matter they need to hear about just to have them
apply what you said to someone else.  For example, you might approach a brother or sister in Christ about how they are raising
his or her child / children without proper correction.  Since we are talking about a Christian here, it is a given that they believe
the Scriptures to be their standard to live by (Psalms 73:24 and Luke 4:4).  You might approach them by asking what they
think the role of parents is today, to get an idea of where to begin the discussion.  The answer is right.  They told you that a
parent is to bring up a child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).  You ask them what they believe the role
of children is in the home.  Again, a good answer is given.  They establish that a child is to be in subjection to the Lord and then
the parent(s) (Ephesians 6:1-2).

      With one foot in the right direction and the other heading that way, you begin to talk to them about how a parent needs to
discipline their children because the Scriptures teach such.  They agree and you begin going over the following Scriptures with
them: “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes…  Foolishness is bound in
the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him… Withhold not correction from the child: for
if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.  Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from
hell… Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not
much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live” (Proverbs 13:24; 22:15; 23:13-14, and Hebrews 12:9)?

      The discussion seems to be heading in the right direction.  You think this person is getting it and soon you will see their
disobedient child / children being disciplined.  After all, they are blatantly disrespectful and disobedient in plain sight.  Then, just
as you think you might have their attention, you hear: “Huh, my kids know better.  I just wish that brother _______ were here
right now to hear our discussion so that he might start cracking his brats.”


      In our above scenario, you may not have personal, direct applications to be made if you are not a parent.  However, the
Scriptures apply to all of us.  Regardless of whether we are doing it right or not, that does not make the applications of the truth
less valuable for us to hear.  The problem is, too many want to point fingers away from themselves rather than pointing the
spiritual sword inward (Ephesians 6:17 and Hebrews 4:12).  James advised something that we all can benefit from:
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19).  Now,
don’t start immediately thinking of someone else this fits until you have fully examined how it applies to you!  

      Whether we are studying personally, participating in a class, hearing a sermon, or having a spiritual discussion; let us learn
not to look upon others before we look upon ourselves.  Maybe someone is trying to tell you or I something, but we find
ourselves too busy thinking self-righteously looking to apply the truth to everyone but ourselves (Matthew 9:9-13).  If you
examine yourself, will you be reminded of the Pharisee who thought in his proud heart to boast to God while pointing his finger
at the Publican who was humbly praying to God (Luke 18:9-14)?  Maybe that is a big part of the problem – no one wants to
examine themselves.


      If one will not examine themselves they will never grow spiritually.  Furthermore, they will often be the one using
hypocritical judgment on others (Matthew 7:1-5 and Romans 2:1-29).  Consider the following Scriptures which show us the
necessity of honest self-examination: “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies… Let us search and
try our ways, and turn again to the Lord… Now therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways… For if we
would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.  But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we
should not be condemned with the world… Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.
Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates” (Psalms 119:59, Lamentations 3:
40, Haggai 1:5, I Corinthians 11:31-32, and II Corinthians 13:5).


      Application is a keyword in our discussion of this ever growing spiritual deficit among “brethren”.  After the self-exam is
complete brethren need to become doers instead of finger pointers.  Just hearing what is right is not sufficient.  We actually
have to practice what is right too (I Corinthians 9:27, I Timothy 4:12-16, and James 1:21-25).  We don’t want to be like the
hypocrites of the first century who bound the Law of Moses while not keeping it (Galatians 6:13).

      After self-examination and application, attitudes need to continue in the right direction.  We need to remain good listeners
when provided an opportunity to learn.  All of us still have things we can learn.  The Scriptures, when being properly taught,
benefit all of us all of the time (II Timothy 3:15).  This is not going to be true for those who are always hearing and then
applying the truth to someone else.  


      We do not want to miss out on eternal life in Heaven because we think nothing applies to us.  Jesus never instructed us that
we will be saved if we hear the word of God and apply it to someone else.  This is what He did say: “But he said, Yea rather,
blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it” (Luke 11:28).  
Volume VIII    ~    Issue XXVII   ~   March 30th, 2008
Words of Truth Weekly - Online Edition
What must one do to be saved (Acts 2:37)?  Hear and believe the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16 & Romans 10:17), repent of their
sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38 and
Romans 6:1-6).  Upon your obedience to these requirements of the Lord He will add you to the church of Christ (Acts 2:41; 47
and I Corinthians 12:12-13; cf. Romans 16:16).  One must then remain faithful (Colossians 1:23 and Revelation 2:10).  There is
more to cover than is here.  Contact me today for a study: brianyeager@wordsoftruth.net
Edited by: Brian A. Yeager
That Doesn’t Apply To Me Syndrome
By: Brian A. Yeager
More Times Than Not, It Applies To You!
Curing the “This Doesn’t Apply To Me Syndrome”
“This Doesn’t Apply to Me Syndrome” is A Symptom of Lacking Self-Examination
Conclusion