One of the most difficult things for us to do is evaluate ourselves. Though we are typically our own worst critic, to try and find out what makes us tick is one of the more unappealing things we can do. It requires the sacrifice of pride (which we should be repenting of either way), and a look into our past and present circumstances.

The best way I can describe this is from a personal example because I cannot go into your mind and find out why you act and react the way you do. For me, the most recent thing I’ve discovered about my own mind is my ongoing struggle with anxiety. For a number of years, I was under false teaching. During these years, one of the things I was taught was that once you follow Christ, all of your issues should go away. This led me to largely ignore my anxiety and struggle with a lack of understanding over my actions.

After God opened my eyes, I realized I still struggled with anxiety. This helped me to recognize the feelings I would get when I was experiencing anxiety and try to make a rational decision based in logic at the moment.

For example, we were going to go through critiques of our artwork in my next class, which terrified me. Instead of ditching class like I wanted to, I recognized that critiques are part of what helps an artist grow in their skill, which in the end, would benefit me.

Knowing I have anxiety came after evaluating myself.

The best way to evaluate yourself is to stop and think. When you have a feeling, stop and identify that feeling. Think about why you are feeling that way. When you are about to do something, stop and ask yourself why that is the decision you have come to. Even if you don’t stop in the moment, you can reflect on those moments afterward to understand why you acted or reacted the way you did.

I’m not suggesting doing this every moment of your life or you may never get anything done. However, if you want to change behaviors or if you are dissatisfied with the way you are acting but don’t understand why, you’ll find this helpful.

You don’t have to get down on yourself either. God’s grace is abundant and sufficient. Don’t feel as though you have to figure everything out on your own. God is working on our character, perfecting us until the day of Jesus Christ when we will finally be perfected.

Take comfort in this:

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him, we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:1-5, English Standard Version)

Our own looks into ourselves will never be enough. Though I believe this act of introspection to be helpful, it is through the word of God we are transformed. It is also through community and accountability that we are able to persevere in our walk with God. We are not alone, and as sisters in Christ, we can stand together in our growing pains.

Evaluation Time