The Unexamined Life
Updated: May 1, 2020
I was reading through old sermon notes and came upon a sermon called the unexamined life; the following is a synopsis of that sermon and my modifications to fit my intended message.
Socrates said, "an unexamined life is not worth living." What does that mean to you? Over the past few posts, I've shared on accountability, getting your mojo back, and having an accountable partner to help you live the life God has in store for you. It is, however, trying to be responsible to something if you haven't examined what your life is currently like. If you desire to be more effective in your daily life, succeed on your goals and ambitions, and live God's plans for you, then there is a need for accountability, but first, you must examine the current status of your life.
2 Corinthians 13:5 explains the need to examine one's self in your relationship with God. Romans 12: 1-2, discusses the importance of being renewed. Our life should be more profound than what is seen on the surface. We must endeavor to know ourselves, think deeply about who we are and who we need to be. There must be a reason for your existence, a reason for everything you do as well, a reason for why you do the things you do. A self-assessment and deep thinking are needed to achieve your God-given purpose.
There's an English saying that goes as follows, the eye cannot see itself except by reflection, therefore for Christians, our assessment and consideration should be measured by the standard of Christ. We must put our maker in front of us as the reflection. If our person does not mirror that of Christ, then we have a lot of work to do.
We read in 1 Kings 19:11 of Elijah's encounter with God concerning his reflection and self-assessment. An assessment must be in a place of righteousness, a quiet personal environment with God, in his presence alone can you gain an accurate representation of where you stand. It is in this environment may we truly identify who God wants us to be. Being on the wrong path can never take you to the right destination, you must be on the right track in his presence to arrive at your destination and purpose.
Therefore, we must ask ourselves a series of questions to assess where we are with God. Let me present four questions here. First, what three things do you believe God has created you (specifically) for? In essence, what are three unique things about you that could be a blessing to others? The second question to ask is what are three barriers preventing you from living your God-given potential/those three purposes above? The third question to ask is what three solutions can you come up with to help you overcome the pre-identified barriers? Lastly, when is a realistic deadline to have those three solutions fully implemented?
At the end of the day, an unexamined life is one lived unintentionally. Unintentional living is wasteful living, it is stressful, futile and leads to no conclusion. We must examine our lives periodically. Ask tough questions, get answers, and actually do the work to deliver on what is needed to live your God-given potential.
Best wishes,
L.B.