“How are you?” That
is a common question for which we seldom expect any but a polite answer; “Fine.
And you?” When we are conversing with a
close friend or someone we know is going through tough times and we ask, “How
are you?” we wait for a real response, expecting to listen and help to carry
the weight. That kind of conversation gives
that other person an opportunity to unpack their emotions, to sort through their
thoughts. What many of us fail to realize is the importance of asking ourselves
the question – “How am I doing?”
Self-reflection can be a difficult thing to do, especially
in our fast-paced world and with all of the diversions that technology offers
us. We need to take time to consciously think about the state of our mind and
heart, to ask if our actions are consistent with the values we profess, to remember
where we need to do some maintenance on our vital relationships. We can easily become adrift in life, pushed
here and there by the expectations of others, becoming slaves of our appetites,
failing to make choices that bring about the best ends.
Then, too, in the middle of it all, clear understanding may
elude us. Phone calls, deadlines, crying kids, emails, and such things can make
us deaf to the cry of our soul for purpose. So, we must make time to ask – “how
am I doing?” and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal the why behind the what in
life. Kierkegaard offers this - “Life can only be understood backwards, but
it must be lived forwards.” Simply
said, without times of reflection and
correction, we can drift far from our intended course, losing sight of the
important as we are pressed by the urgent things in life.
Paul reminds us that our Christianity needs times of self-
reflection. "Examine yourselves to
see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that
Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?" (2
Corinthians 13:5, NIV)
How do we examine ourselves?
We look for choices
made that align with our professed faith in Christ.
If we are His disciple, if He lives in us, we will see evidence
of Him; love for others, joyful purpose in life, peace in the middle of crisis,
trust in times of storms. Christians live with an active hope of eternal life,
and their lives are guided by their expectation of a heavenly home.
We look for progress
over time in maturity in godly living.
If we are still getting drunk every Friday, if we are still
hating our neighbors, if we are still trying to find happiness in pleasure and
things in the same way we were before we came to Christ, we should conclude
that we need a course correction, real changes made in our pursuit of the Lord. Those who are maturing in Christ love the things
of God, men and women who are deep pools of refreshment for the world in which
they live.
We look for healthy emotions
in ourselves.
Those who live in Christ are steady, able to trust Him equally
in sorrow and joy. If we are in constant conflict, if we cannot settle to
follow Him, if we are fervent in ‘faith’ today and apathetic the next – the evidence
is that our faith needs to grow.
We look for strong
and authentic relationships with other Christians.
If we are avoiding being around people of true faith there
is a red flag of caution. Those who are ‘in Christ’ will find encouragement
within the family of faith.
Yes, times of examination are critically important. We need moments that allow us to reset,
correction, and refocus. We need ‘interruptions’
that break the incessant demands of daily life. Built into the Christian faith
is a Holy Meal, a moment when we go back to the basics – His blood that
restores us to our Father’s love; His body that was broken so that we could be
made whole. One of the essential parts of that time of Communion is confession. Paul says "Examine
your motives, test your heart, come to this meal in holy awe. " (1
Corinthians 11:28, The Message)
How am I doing? It’s
not a question to be avoided. It can be a moment of growth!
Today’s word from the Word challenges us to give ourselves to
the examination of the Truth. "Let
us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall
by following their example of disobedience. For the word of God is living and
active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing
soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the
heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is
uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give
account." (Hebrews 4:11-13, NIV)
_________
_________
Abba, keep me on course, my heart and mind aligned to Your
will.
Help me to pursue You with my whole heart.
Protect me from slipping into empty prayers and meaningless words,
Thinking somehow that those things can replace true devotion.
Test me. Reveal the secret things of my heart to me so that
I will follow You.
In Jesus’ Name.
Amen
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