“The unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates.
Once you commit your life to Christ, you start the process of becoming more like Jesus. A necessary part of this process is continually taking an honest inventory of our lives to see where we need to seek transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Self-reflection is a powerful tool we can use to grow closer to and encounter God in the inner workings of our hearts and lives. Regular reflection is something that we, as Christians, need to incorporate into our daily lives. Reflecting on who we are, who God is making us to be, how God is working in us, and how God is working around us will allow us to live more fully Christian lives. Christian reflection will help us reorient ourselves toward God. It may not come naturally to some of us, but it is a great spiritual practice that can truly deepen our relationship with God.
We can take an honest look at ourselves and see our weaknesses and our strengths. Reflection also allows us to keep our spiritual things at the forefront of our minds. If we reflect daily on what God is doing and has done in our lives, it makes living in God’s presence much easier for us. Psalm 139:23-24 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
In this passage, David comes before God to be searched. He knows not the depths of his own heart and sinfulness, and requests that the Lord search the deep things of his heart, so he can process them and grow. We also need to check our spiritual status from time to time. To do that will require guidance from God and intentional self-reflection.
The spiritual practice of soul searching is hard, but the benefits of the discomfort and, yes, even the pain, are so worth it. It is through recognizing, acknowledging, and releasing these difficult personal things to God that we are drawn closer to Him. It is here that we discover God has given us a greater purpose: a purpose that revolves around us. It is here that we learn to live our lives according to God’s design.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you see self-reflection as a spiritual tool? Yes or no, and why?
- How can we make that tool a part of our lives?