Advantages of Self-Reflection
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?
2 Corinthians 13:5
Self- reflection is when we focus on seeing ourselves through the eyes of God. We can review our day and compare our actions to scripture. Self-Reflection not only helps to evaluate ourselves but also to spiritually grow. Self-reflection takes time to focus and think which has a positive influence on our mental and physical health. “Thinker moments actually increase and develop our intelligence and the efficiency of our thinking”1 Our brains need thinker time for health and functioning, and it also helps to prevent dementia.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2). God renews our mind enabling us to get rid of toxic thoughts and emotions that block success.
At the end of each day we can reflect and evaluate our thoughts, emotions, and interactions with others, comparing ourselves to Jesus. We will never be perfectly like Jesus, but God is molding us to conform to the likeness of his Son. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. Romans 8:29). Self-reflection can greatly help all who accept Christ as their savior and Lord to become more Christ-like. “Being alone with our thoughts can also provide valuable and potent insight into how we function and can positively influence our judgment and decisions.2
If we continue in daily self-reflection it will enhance our self-awareness. This really means we are able to go through our day seeing ourselves through the eyes of God, both consciously and subconsciously. This is a great blessing because not only do we see ourselves from God’s viewpoint, it also brings us closer to the Lord. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers (1 Timothy 4:16). The closer we are to the Lord the more he enables us to have self-awareness. It is a gift from God and comes from seeing ourselves through the eyes of God.
Today, take time to focus and reflect, drawing you closer to God and aiding you in self-awareness. Pray for help in self-reflection and pray for self awareness. It is great gift to see ourselves through the eyes of God, because if we examine ourselves only through our own eyes we have a biased view.
Let’s Pray: Lord, help me to reflect and to have self-awareness by seeing myself through your eyes. Mold me to be more Christ-like through self-reflection that I might evaluate my conformance to the likeness of your Son. In Jesus’ name, Amen
- Dr. Caroline Leaf, Think Learn Succeed, (Grand Rapids Mich., Baker Books, 2018) pg. 48
- Ibid., pg. 50