Seneca said that “the unexamined life is not worth living” and many go through life without examining their motives, decisions, behaviors, and life choices. Oftentimes, unexamined thoughts, words and actions lead people in directions that suck joy and peace from life. It is possible that Solomon's words aptly capture the experience of those individuals when he stated, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” - Proverbs 14:12
Dealing with the aftermath of my own burnout, on the way to recovery, sometimes I observe people taking a path that I once took, which eventually got my fingers burned. As I navigate through life, I am now more cautious and protective, ensuring to shield myself with self-reflection and necessary corrections. Prior to making any decisions in both personal and professional aspects, I conduct thorough self-assessments. I scrutinize my intentions to ensure they are in harmony with my core beliefs. With a firm belief in the Bible as God's word, I regularly evaluate my actions to ensure they are in line with its teachings.
In the past, one of the major issues I faced was being easily offended, which resulted in a cycle of unforgiveness and depression. This pattern of offense, unforgiveness, and internal conflicts not only affected my personal well-being but also led to conflicts with others, ultimately robbing me of joy and peace in my life.
Here is some food for thought for all whose fingers are, or are about to get, burned: instead of blaming other people and God for whatever hardships you are enduring in life, take a deep look at your own actions and heart conditions. Instead of assuming the best about your own intentions, and the worst about other people’s reactions, invite the Holy Spirit to examine your own heart for selfish intentions. Oftentimes, personal selfishness is the cause of camouflaged hurt feelings and stored pain.
Initiating a self-assessment involves evaluating the presence of peace and joy in our daily routines. If we find ourselves going through the motions mechanically, it may indicate a lack of awareness. Identifying a deficiency in peace and joy serves as an alert that prompts further scrutiny. Conducting a timely self-evaluation could potentially avert the risk of jeopardizing significant connections such as friendships, professional collaborations, or family ties in the future.
On my own journey of self-examination, I have found an unexpected gift: hope instead of cynicism. Dealing with loose ends, I have hope that circumstances and difficulties can change. In the process of self-examination, I’ve been changed in many ways too.
Should you choose to accompany me on this journey, be prepared to face challenges, as you may encounter difficulties along the way. While engaging in acts of service, it is crucial to assess your intentions and ensure that your efforts are in line with God's calling for you to bring about positive change. If you passively navigate through life without reflecting on it, you risk missing out and facing the consequences of your actions.
“…I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent.” - Revelation 3:1-3 NIV
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