WEDNESDAY’S WORD – INTROSPECTION – 10/18/17 – Sadell Bradley – New Life Covenant Cincinnati

INTROSPECTION is the examination or observation of one’s own mental or emotional processes. The Latin introspectare means ‘to keep looking into.”  Introspection surveys our thoughts and feelings for their hidden roots. Colloquial synonyms like naval-gazing and soul-searching describe a practice that too many of us avoid, but would be valuable for us all to embrace whether in our personal or professional lives. Contemplative

meditation, particularly to test our assumptions, can help us destroy erroneous falsehoods we’ve believed, or practices that have not been beneficial. Self-examination can be a powerful tool toward change. Sometimes an unsettling monkey wrench NEEDS to be thrown into the way we’re used to relating with others, perceiving life’s situations, and going about our business…that is, IF we want to thrive and prosper.  Years ago, some bad experiences made my light bulb come on regarding the joke in this meme.

Paul made several statements about the need for self-examination. When Christians are taking the sacrament of communion, “Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:28) We’re to make sure that we’re not taking the Body and Blood of Christ frivolously, with contempt, or in an unworthy manner. We’re to ensure that there aren’t divisions among us; that we’re discerning both the relational and spiritual Body of Christ. To give the Lord’s Supper due reverence and appreciation of it’s power and meaning requires introspection. Failure to do so, invites God’s judgment.

The same introspection is required as we live out the holy lifestyle that accompanies our salvation. Paul’s apostolic call included meting out correction and restoration when persons under his care were overtaken in faults. (Galatians 6:1) There were some in Corinth whom he had warned a few times to stop sinning. Their habitual and deliberate actions brought him to question the genuineness of their conversion and the seriousness with which they regarded his spiritual authority. He warned, “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.” (2 Cor. 13:5) 

The first course of action in these instances was NOT

for others, even the leader, to jump in and make judgments – but to allow individuals the opportunity for introspection. The power of the Holy Spirit to convict people of sin and convince them of righteous behavior and judgment is still operative (John 16:8). We can be so quick to try to do His job for Him.  He is also the one, through self-examination that helps us keep our own consciences clear. Inter-personal conflicts, difficult situations, and emotional decisions open the doors for introspection. They’re wide open doors for transformation, if we’re not too afraid to open up and see what’s really inside!