Checkpoint Charlie

For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. (I Corinthians 11:31)

With today being Veteran's Day I thought it would be appropriate to have a lesson relating to the military. I would like to take this time to thank all of the men and women who have and are serving our country. I don't believe we say thank you enough for what you have done or what you do so that we can go to bed at night and rest assure that we will be safe from enemy attacks during the night.

Checkpoint Charlie was the name given by the Western Allies to a crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War.  There were other crossing points, but Charlie was designated as the single crossing point for all members of the Allied forces.  Escapes, standoffs, and the murder of one teenage boy in particular made this checkpoint infamous.
Passing through Checkpoint Charlie was no easy task.  Everyone and everything had to be checked.  Anyone who had any sense who was planning to go through would complete their own checklist to make sure everything was in order.  Lost or stolen credentials could be disastrous.  If you approached the gate, you would be allowed through or be arrested on the spot pending an investigation.  So identification was kept secure and double checked repeatedly.
We have a rather big "checkpoint" at the end of life that we need to be ready for too. Are your credentials in order?  Is your birth certificate as a child of the King in your possession?  Okay, so you are a Christian.  How will you look as you approach the final checkpoint?  Will you appear like you obviously live on the other side, or will you look suspicious?  Language, dress, and mannerisms can give away anyone who is attempting an illegal entry.  I seem to remember a story of five virgins who couldn't get through their "checkpoint" simply for the lack of oil.
"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in faith;... (II Cor. 13:5a)