Many Christians want to become better leaders and grow in their faith. Yet they are often uncomfortable with the very process that makes personal transformation possible: honestly examining themselves.
Before you can lead others better, you must be willing to take an honest look at yourself. Sometimes the biggest obstacle standing between you and better leadership isn’t something you need to learn. It’s something about yourself you need to recognize.
Christian self-examination is an important part of Christian personal growth. It helps us recognize the attitudes, habits, and behaviors that may be keeping us from becoming the people God wants us to be.
So why do so many Christians avoid it, and what happens when we begin taking an honest look at our own lives?
1. The Trap: Why You Keep Struggling With the Same Problems
It’s not unusual for Christians to struggle with the same things over and over again. We want to grow, change, and become stronger in our faith, yet somehow we find ourselves repeating the same patterns.
The writer of Hebrews addresses this problem in Hebrews 12:1, telling us to
lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us.
Consider the picture behind that word ensnares. Imagine a runner whose clothing becomes tangled around his legs. Instead of running freely, he is restricted by something that is holding him back.
That’s a picture of what can happen in our Christian lives.
There are weights, habits, attitudes, and sins that hinder our spiritual growth. Some may be obvious. Others may be things we have learned to overlook or simply don’t recognize.
But here’s an important question:
How can we lay aside something we haven’t recognized?
This is why Christian self-examination matters. We cannot address what we refuse to acknowledge. If we continually avoid looking honestly at ourselves, we may remain trapped in the very patterns we want to overcome.
2. Why Christians Avoid Self-Examination
If self-examination is so important to spiritual growth, why do so many Christians avoid it?
We say we want to become all that God wants us to be, yet we often avoid the very process God uses to bring about transformation.
There are several reasons this happens:
Six Reasons We Avoid Looking Honestly at Ourselves
Self-examination challenges our self-image. It’s uncomfortable when we discover that the person we think we are doesn’t always match the person our actions reveal.
We confuse conviction with condemnation. Recognizing something that needs to change isn’t the same as being condemned. God can reveal areas of our lives that need attention so we can grow.
We would rather examine someone else’s behavior. It’s often easier to recognize the shortcomings of others than to acknowledge our own.
We don’t want to confront what we might discover. Sometimes we suspect something needs attention, but we’re reluctant to face it.
We mistake knowing Scripture for becoming more Christlike. Knowing what the Bible teaches is important, but spiritual maturity requires putting that knowledge into practice.
We’re afraid of vulnerability. An honest examination of ourselves requires humility and a willingness to acknowledge our weaknesses.
Perhaps you recognize yourself in one or more of these reasons.
But consider the cost of continuing to avoid self-examination. How can we lay aside the weights and sins that hinder us if we’re unwilling to look honestly at our own lives?
3. The Reward: Transformation and Spiritual Growth
The purpose of Christian self-examination isn’t to become consumed with our shortcomings. It’s to recognize what is hindering us so we can address it and move forward.
Hebrews 12:1 doesn’t simply tell us to lay aside every weight and the sin that ensnares us. It also tells us to run with endurance the race set before us, looking unto Jesus.
There’s a race God has set before you. And the things that hinder your progress matter.
You want to become all that God wants you to become. That requires more than acquiring additional information.
Information is cheap. It’s everywhere. You may already know the Scriptures. The question is whether you’re applying what you know.
Begin with an honest examination of your own life. Ask God to reveal the attitudes, behaviors, habits, and sins that may be keeping you from moving forward.
When you recognize those areas, you can confess them, receive God’s forgiveness, and begin making the changes necessary to move forward.
You cannot change what you refuse to recognize.
Self-examination isn’t something to fear. It’s an opportunity for growth, transformation, and becoming more like Christ.
Don’t allow the things that are hindering you to keep you from running the race God has set before you.
Start by looking honestly at yourself. Your growth journey begins there.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christian Self-Examination
What is Christian self-examination?
Christian self-examination is the practice of honestly evaluating your attitudes, behaviors, motives, and actions in light of God’s Word. It helps you recognize areas where you need to grow and become more Christlike.
Why is self-examination important for spiritual growth?
Self-examination helps Christians identify habits, attitudes, and behaviors that may be hindering their spiritual growth. Recognizing these areas creates an opportunity for confession, repentance, change, and personal transformation.
How do I examine myself as a Christian?
Begin with prayer and a willingness to be honest about your life. Consider your attitudes, decisions, relationships, and behaviors in light of Scripture. Ask God to reveal areas that need attention, and be willing to respond to what He shows you.
What does Hebrews 12:1 teach about overcoming spiritual struggles?
Hebrews 12:1 encourages believers to lay aside every weight and the sin that easily ensnares them and to run with endurance the race set before them. It reminds Christians that spiritual growth requires recognizing and addressing the things that hinder their progress.
What’s the difference between conviction and condemnation?
Conviction brings attention to something that needs to change and directs us toward repentance and restoration. Condemnation leaves us feeling judged and without hope. Recognizing the difference helps Christians approach self-examination with humility rather than fear.
Continue Your Growth Journey
Becoming a better Christian, a stronger leader, and the person God wants you to be requires more than knowing what Scripture teaches. It requires applying biblical wisdom to the way you live.
I invite you to continue your growth journey with more practical, Bible-based wisdom to strengthen your faith, develop your character, and become a better leader.
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