Self-Awareness

Self-awareness allows us to see our own shortcomings and to understand our limitations. We are able to answer questions like, “What do I do best?” “Where am I least gifted? “How does my character need to grow?” and “What sin easily seduces me? It is a mixture of honesty, discernment and common sense when we are able to see how God sees us. Go to the Lord in prayer, so you are first able to test and see if an opportunity is from Him.

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

Spirit-filled believers are men and women of self-awareness. They use their understanding of themselves as a filter for wise decision-making. For example, when you become aware that you are not a natural planner, you then surround yourself with those who understand how to plan and implement a process toward an agreed upon result.

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully” (Romans 12:6-8).

Self-aware individuals wisely select activities that allow them to have the most impact. You have a limited amount of time, a limited amount of opportunity and a limited amount of resources. What experiences, skills and abilities can you offer to your family, work and ministry with focused intensity? Where is God working and how can you join Him with the gifts He has given you? Self-awareness sees the unseen and engages God there.

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal”(2 Corinthians 4:18).

Moreover, self-aware servants of Christ are quick to take an inventory of their own indiscretions before they pronounce judgment on others. You can clearly see in another what has become familiar in your own heart and mind. Resist the temptation to quickly judge another until you have judged yourself. Confront the sin of a fellow believer only after confessing and repenting of your own sin. Be self-aware and honest about your sin.

What relationships and opportunities do I need to avoid? And what relationships and opportunities do I need to steward better with focused attention?

Related Readings: Genesis 28:16; Leviticus 4:14; Matthew 12:15; Galatians 4:21

Transformational Living
What did I learn from the Lord in today’s Bible reading? How will I respond?