SELF-ASSESSMENT

“But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.” – Galatians 6:4

REFERENCE:

Galatians 6:1-5

William Shakespeare said, “To thine own self be true.” Self-deception is the worst plague that can befall a man, when he sees himself as different than he is, has an opinion about himself that does not correlate with his reality, and scores himself high in virtue when really, he is wicked. If we fail to assess ourselves often, we can become victims of self-deception.

Paul, in our text, warned the Galatians against self-deception: “If anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” Some believers gloated over those who faltered in their faith and felt they were too holy to fall. He told them to be careful not to fall into temptation and counseled them to examine themselves.

We unconsciously form unrealistic mindsets, opinions, or images about ourselves; we then do things that displease God (contrary to His word), but we excuse them because we have created our truth. Sometimes, it is the justification we adopt from a position espoused by another person, but this does not change God’s position. Hence, Paul counsels us to do a self-assessment: check if you are what you think you are, doing what God wants you to do. It means studying the bible to check your alignment, asking yourself and those around you tough questions to see how you are doing – as a spouse, leader, staff, business, etc.

A boy went to use the telephone by the cash counter in a store. He dialed a number, and the store owner listened to the conversation. He said to the lady on the other side of the call, “Ma, can you give me the job of cutting your lawn?” She replied, “I already have the person who does that.” He insisted, “Ma, I will do it for half the price the person charges.” The woman said, “I am satisfied with the person presently doing it.” He persisted, “I will wash and iron your clothes in addition, at half the price.” The woman said, “No, thank you.” With a smile on his face, the boy ended the call. The store owner who had been listening called the boy and said, “Son, I like your attitude and positivity; I would like to offer you a job.” The boy said, “No thanks.” The man said, “But you were desperately pleading for a job now.” The boy replied, “Sir, I was checking my performance at the job I already have. I am the one who works for the lady I was talking to! That is self-assessment!

You will live a more productive life, maintain a sharp cutting edge in business, and avoid unnecessary collapse (or loss) of things you value if you take time, once in a while, and do an honest self-assessment. It will spare you pain and the danger of missing God.

 TODAY’S THOUGHT:

ADDITIONAL TEXTS: II Corinthians 13:5, Psalm 119:59, Psalm 139:23-24 & Haggai 1:5

SELF-ASSESSMENT: (Grade yourself over 10 in the below topics. You can add yours too)

+ How do I fare in my family life, devotions, Church attendance, commitment to my work, spending time with friends and loved ones, generosity, and service to God and man?