Living in Increase (Part 10) - Increase in AwarenessSample

Examine Yourself

These are some of the results of a lack of self-awareness:

• Lowered self-esteem
• Making poor choices
• Trouble self-correcting due to difficulty identifying emotions
• Failure to see the thinking and behavioral patterns that create problems
• Trouble accepting responsibility, which often leads to denial and blame-shifting
• Suppressing instead of dealing with emotions
• Shifting self-perception or self-image

Do any of these ring true for you? I can admit that I have struggled and sometimes still struggle with some of these. Even though you may be self-aware for the most part, no one is perfect, and there will be areas we struggle with on and off for the rest of our lives. But that is because we evolve–our motives and desires may change; however, when we are centered entirely on Christ, our motives and desires are His, not ours.

Here are some signs that you may lack self-awareness:

• You’re out of touch with your emotions
• Impulsive (in aggression, eating, substance abuse, finances)
• Highly critical of others (you have deep insecurities)
• Not open to feedback
• Keep making the same mistakes
• Feedback from others makes you defensive
• Drama is wherever you are
• Your coping mechanisms make situations worse
• You manipulate others to get your needs met
• You need to always be in control
• You believe the world revolves around you
• You tend to overreact
• You don’t admit your mistakes
• You are a people-pleaser
• You can’t let go of the past

Wow. It’s no wonder we stay in self-denial! Who wants to admit they struggle with anything from the above list? It makes us look awful! We have to examine ourselves, though. I will be transparent and share just one area where I’ve struggled. I promise there is more than one, though.

First, I grew up moving a lot. Because of this, I have had multiple issues with instability, insecurities, lack of trust, and trouble making and keeping friends. These issues led me to allow the past to define who I am, always needing control, manipulating others into getting what I want, and being highly critical of others. Some of these even led to some of the others on that list. It is ugly, but I am not ashamed or embarrassed because I am now aware of these issues and can lead a healthier working to overcome these things.

Now, it’s your turn. Examine yourself. If you have faith in Christ, and He lives in you, you should be able to be honest with yourselves. If you have difficulty identifying anything from that list, ask a friend or family member of strong faith to help you, but you must be open to this honest feedback. Then, you will understand the purpose in your heart and be able to draw it out.

Monica Barnes

Action Step: Write down the results and signs that you identify with from the lists above. Then, find a Bible verse encouraging you to improve in those areas. For example, if you struggle with people-pleasing, write Galatians 1:10: “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”