I recently retook an assessment that I had taken several years ago. I taught a class on it for a few years, so I know why the assessment is asking the questions it asked. As I took it, I had a thought. I could give answers that made myself look really good, or I could answer truthfully. I wanted to get an accurate assessment of myself more than I wanted to look good for someone else. I answered truthfully and several of my flaws were revealed with red marks on the results. I sat on a coaching call answering questions explaining what was going on inside me when faced with certain situations. I figured the only way to improve is to have an accurate assessment.
Many people in the Bible were assessed by God. Saul’s heart was exposed when he was confronted by Samuel regarding his disobedience. He made excuses as to why he didn’t obey, as he tried to make himself look better. When David was confronted on his disobedience and sin, he admitted it and sought forgiveness. There are places like Psalm 139:23 where he says, “Examine me, O God, and know my mind; test me, and discover my thoughts” (GNT). He understood the need for personal, spiritual and motivational assessment. If you’re going to grow or get better, you must be willing to expose those areas.
In 2 Corinthians 13:5 says, “Put yourselves to the test and judge yourselves, to find out whether you are living in faith.” How strong is your faith and belief? Only when it is tested can you truly know. It’s easy to say what you believe when you’re not being tested. However, being faced with a hard time, or a hard truth, will reveal what’s inside. It’s important to regularly assess where you are in your faith and growth as a Christian. Are you taking steps to be more Christlike? Are your roots growing down deep or are they shallow? The only way to know is to ask God to examine you and put you to the test. Don’t be afraid to ask God to show you areas of growth that are needed. Get an honest assessment, see it as an opportunity to build Christian character and growth, then make changes as necessary.
Photo by Jametlene Reskp on Unsplash
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 