Why Self-Evaluation is Crucial for Growth
Our world has placed much emphasis on the external image of who we are, rather than our internal being. Why? Image has become the most important attribute people focus on, today. Instead of doing a self-evaluation about our inner life, we tend to focus on our outer image.
The external image allows us to portray an identity we choose to create, and oftentimes that image is not parallel to who we are inside. This produces a false identity and a life built entirely of lies.
So why do we allow ourselves to create these false identities? We try to meet society’s opinion of what a person should be. In a world that is continuously changing, we often find ourselves evolving with it.
For example, we adjust to the latest fashions, buy the newest music, and use the most popular sayings. Don’t get me wrong, I love fashion, but I have to ensure that my outward appearance does not become the sole focus that I neglect my private world.
Many of us have found ourselves looking to the world for the definition of our identity, then looking to God’s Word.
Self-evaluation is challenging to complete because it requires us to look at ourselves. Let’s be honest, we know which areas in our life we need to change, but it’s easier to live the lie than to face the truth. You see, creating our outward life is easier than examining our inner world.
Furthermore, we prefer to live our false image and judge other people’s lives instead. Judging others takes the focus off of our life and directs our attention to the flaws of another person.
Check Your Pulse Moment: Real growth in our lives occurs when we willing to face ourselves in the mirror.
Matthew 7:3-5 in the New King James Version (NKJV) reads:
“And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
Our sinful nature prefers to concentrate on the faults of other people than to face our own shortcomings. In order for real change to occur in our life, we have to evaluate ourselves. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 13:5 in the New International Version (NIV) “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?”
5 Keys For Completing a Self-Evaluation
1. Find a Quiet Place
Daily, we are confronted with noise and countless distractions. While some noise is good, it can be difficult to truly think without quietness. When completing an assessment of your life, find a place that allows you to have silence and seclusion.
2. Spend Time in Prayer
Prayer is imperative during evaluation. Our hearts are deceitful and we can lie to ourselves about the areas in our lives that we need to change. For this reason, you have to go before God and give Him access to your heart. Jeremiah 17: 9 says in (NKJV), “ The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?”
You may be thinking, “He already has access. He’s an all-knowing God.” While this is a true fact, He’s a gentleman and He won’t impose Himself upon you. Allow God to have access, so He can reveal to you your heart.
3. Read the Bible
Everything we need is in the Word of God. When we’re completing a self-evaluation of our lives, we must asset our life according to the scriptures. Our daily conduct should be a direct reflection of His Word. While reading His Word, you will see what areas of your life that you need to change.
4. Journal
I understand that some highly despise writing. However, sometimes communicating what we feel in words can be difficult, but writing your feelings on paper may help. Journaling allows you to express your emotions and thoughts without verbally speaking.
5. Be Accountable
How many of us have set goals that we left unaccomplished? In many cases, the reason why several of us don’t accomplish our goals is due to the lack of accountability.
Accountability does not mean you’re weak, it means that you’re aware that you need help and someone who can help keep you on track. It’s crucial to select a person and/or individual who will push you, and not allow you to settle for mediocracy. Keep in mind, this may not include your best friend. It should be an individual who will direct you to the Word of God, not someone whose advice is against scriptures.
Ready To Do a Self-Evaluation?
Self-evaluation should be a continuous habit in our lives. Without evaluating our life according to the Word of God, daily, we’re left to our own devices.
Today, decide to take some time to do a self-evaluation of your life. While it will be difficult to face yourself through the Word of God, it will be worth it to become the person God created you to be.
Here’s a free download to help you with your self-evaluation: 5 Keys to an Effective Self-Evaluation Journal Prompt