Self-Examination for True Change

When was the last time you examined yourself? As Christian, we need self-examination for true change. I’m not talking about this morning when you bemoaned your mix of acne/new wrinkles or when you did a slow circle in front of the mirror as you tried on your new dress. Those things may bring internal commentary, but true change takes a deeper look.

When it comes to self-examination:

We realize our weak spots . . . how can we not? They blare at us like neon signs.
We know we can do better. We can lose weight, control our anger, spend less, etc., if we just focus on it.
We feel we need to find the right book, pray harder, and gain more self-control.
We think the answers our “out there.” (The truth is that most of the time we know the problem, and we have a good idea about the solution, too. We just need to read the book, sign up for the program, and join the group to get the help we need.)

Where does this leave us? Spinning our wheels. If we put “self-help” on our to-do list, then we can give ourselves an excuse for not doing what we need to do today.

Self-help books only work if you humble yourselves to God first.

1859: The first self-help book was published by John Murray Publishers. Written by Samuel Smiles, the title was Self-Help: with illustrations of character and conduct. The self-help book category came into its own in 1936 with the publication of Dale Carnegie’s book How to Win Friends and Influence People. (i)

I buy and read a lot of self-help books on writing, parenting, and marriage, and I get great ideas, but the areas in my life where I’ve truly changed hasn’t happened when I follow “eight easy steps.” Change came from the Holy Spirit within convicting me, transforming me, strengthening me, and aligning me to God’s Word and His Way.

Jesus knows the first step to true change comes when we pause and judge ourselves.

Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right?

Luke 12:57

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

So how do you do this open yourself up to self-examination?

• Create an empty space in your calendar and find a quiet place.
• Take time to praise God and to turn over your agenda to His.
• Ask Him, “Lord, is there an area in my life you want to talk to me about?” Is it self-control, anger, selfishness, or pride?
• Read His Word first. Don’t run to that online bookstore for the newest self-help book. Instead, open the concordance in the back of the book or Bible Gateway and read Scriptures focused on your area of weakness.
• With each Scripture you read, ask, “What is God saying to me here?” and “How can I apply this truth to my life?”
• Write down real changes you want to make. Read that list throughout the day.
• Pray and ask God to do an inner work. He doesn’t point out your weak spots to condemn you. God wants you to know where you are weak so He can show you where He is strong!

Now how about you? Where has God already worked in your heart and life. Please take a moment to leave a comment and let me know! When you share where God is worked it helps others to trust that He can do the same in their own lives!