In Full: Pursue Lifeಮಾದರಿ

Examine Your Heart

Ready: “Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.” - Romans 12:3 (NLT)

Set: Our motivating factors determine the why behind the what. Why have you been behaving certain ways? Are there certain patterns you seem to keep coming back to? Be intentional with yourself. This evaluation allows us to better understand the driving forces behind what we do and implement lasting habits that are fueled by our desire to live a life in full with Christ.

It’s a way to transform into who God has created us to be. Plus, there are three benefits to examining your heart:

Examination Brings Peace

When we dig into the why behind the what and name our motivation out loud, there’s a wave of release that rushes out and we can breathe easy, knowing we’ve let God in on the hidden things of our life.

We may be afraid of what we find, but God isn’t. Once we admit where we are, He is the One who can take our misguided motivation and realign us to His purposes. Peace and joy flow freely into our relationship with God and others, because we no longer need to pretend we’re in control of keeping everything in check.

Examination Brings Closeness

Because God designed us for two-way relationship, that need is felt in our soul when we go over who we are with the One who placed our deep desires and hopes in us. God is always drawing us closer, inviting us to continually assess our hearts, because He wants to ultimately shape us into the likeness of Jesus Christ, His Son.

Examination Brings Clarity

Once the mud of our own motivation is cleared out and replaced with the light of Christ, we see things from an eternal perspective. Understanding our place on God’s team allows us to redirect our efforts to encourage and help others. It’s not about us anymore, but rather, what we can bring to God for the greatest impact on our teammates, family and community for His Kingdom.

The more we’re willing to ask ourselves the hard questions, the more we can uncover and have God fill us with His perspective.

Go:

• What keeps you from examining your heart’s motivations?

• How can you invite God to help see things from His perspective?

• Which do you need more of in your life: peace, closeness or clarity?

Overtime: “Father God, thank You that You aren’t afraid to dig into my heart and its motivations. Thank You that You go with me, even when I am afraid. Help me to step into the shadows and bring things to light, so I may be made more into the likeness of Your Son Jesus. Amen.”