#6 Self-Examination
Self-Examination is about reflection, soul-searching, heart-searching and self-criticism. Lamentations 3:40 says, “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” So, examining our ways and testing them will help us see our need to grow in the Lord.
We talked a little about this in #2 Self-knowledge. In this Emotional Law, we go deeper.
If all we did was languish about, praising everything about ourselves, we would eventually slip into complacency, and complacency is the very antithesis of growth in Christ. We need to pay attention to our character defects, but not in a shaming, belittling manner. Human beings are the only creatures on this planet capable of self-examination, the only ones capable of making decisions to grow and change.
Luke 6:26 agrees with the dangers of living in complacency. He says, “Woe to you when all men shall speak well of you.” Self-examination, self-criticism, is waking up and owning truth, which encourages us to move toward change and growth. All evil comes from spiritual dishonesty. We want to see the truth about ourselves.
We can ask others to help in this self-examination process. James 5:16 says we can confess our faults to one another and pray for each other so we may be healed. I have seen psychotherapy help with this self-examination process many times.
The problem with self-criticism is that almost all of us take it too far – everything we are and do is open to harsh judgment. We compare everything about ourselves to an imaginary unreachable ideal, and of course we fall short again and again. This sort of criticism is withering. It inspires rebellion, confusion, pain, and numbness – not growth.
Self-criticism in the context of self-acceptance and self-love, selects carefully the areas in which criticism is practiced. It is, as they say, constructive criticism. Jesus said that he had many things to tell the disciples, but they could not bear it. Why are we harder on ourselves than Jesus is?
If we wait for him to talk to us about things that need attending to instead of rushing ahead of Him, we will be much more joyous in life. That goes for other people as well.
Psalm 139 is my favorite chapter in the Old Testament. It speaks of this kind of self-examination.
1 O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
3 You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
4 You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
