Reflecting with Jesus: Becoming 

By Kiana Hershey

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.“—Ephesians 4:22–24 (NIV)

How long has it been since you've taken the time to self reflect? For some, this may be a foreign concept, while others have incorporated this into their daily or weekly rhythm. You might be asking yourself, "What does it look like to turn my thoughts inward and to reflect on my own heart and mind? What would I even ask myself?" Or you may even be thinking, "Why should you do this? What's the point?" These are great questions!

Have you ever taken a walk to clear your head? This is the perfect time to invite the Spirit to help you reflect, and for Him to reveal what you have allowed to take up space in your heart and mind. You can begin by asking yourself questions like . . .

“What have I been thinking about lately?" 

"What have I been spending time doing?" 

"What emotions have I experienced this past week?"

What are some of my needs, and have I expressed those needs to others?" 

"How has my attitude been towards my family and friends?"

"What am I afraid of?" 

"What brings life to my soul?” 

Allow yourself time to think deeply . . . and then—and most importantly—embrace the Holy Spirit’s insight! This takes time to learn and to practice, and you will need to extend yourself plenty of grace. Invite the Lord to give you eyes to see yourself through the lens in which He views you (2 Corinthians 5:16–17). In His eyes, you are beloved and valued, not because of what you do, or your successes, your level of production, your skills, or even your holiness and effectiveness as a Christian. No! In the eyes of God, you are loved and valued simply because you are His child. 

Ask Him for wisdom and strength to surrender fears, anxieties, and attitudes that are not of Him. Ask yourself, “What have I accepted as normal in my life that never should have become normal?" Maybe there are thought processes that you cycle through daily that are not uplifting or healthy? What do you think about yourself that does not align with what God thinks of you? What do you try to control because you are afraid or think something won’t happen unless you make it happen?”

These are difficult and emotionally intelligent questions! Allow yourself to grow in your relationship with the Lord by allowing Him to speak into who you are becoming! He is glorified when your mind and heart are set on Him, because your demeanor and actions will reflect the One you abide in! Who you are is more important than what you do. Therefore, knowing who you are becoming by knowing where you are right now can unlock truths that the Lord desires for you to walk in and help you walk in freedom from things that entangle you! Self reflection will lead to revelation and fulfillment, both initiated and satisfied by the Lord. He will reveal our deep need for Christ and will satisfy it by offering us a rich relationship with Him. 

Pause: What type of person am I? What type of person do I desire to be? What do I think about? What do I spend time doing?

Ponder:  Does the person I am bring glory to God? Where are you on the journey to being fully satisfied in Jesus? 

Thank you for journeying through this plan with us! For more great plans, visit CalvaryFTL.org/Bible-Plans.