Self-Knowledge: Can You Handle It?

"Sin has many tools, but a lie is the handle which fits them all."  -Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

Perhaps one of this most difficult, and painful things we can do is an honest, assessment of ourselves. This is a "mirror-test" where we take a good, long inward look at who we are.

No one likes to admit that they may not be quite the person they think they are. Let's face it, faults, or weaknesses are not usually cheered about. We can be extremely subjective when it comes to self-evaluation.

But, as uncomfortable as this might be, it is important to have some self-knowledge, or understanding of  ourselves. This is important as part of our relationship with God. In fact, it's a necessity.

If we're not familiar with our own situation or plight, how can we properly ask God for what we want? It would be just like throwing darts at a map with eyes closed; hoping to hit the right location.

Without self-knowledge we are not cognizant of our temptations and/or besetting sins (those faults to which we are especially prone); our characteristic weaknesses. A difficult but vital area that needs to be addressed.

It's easy to say what we see when in self-denial mode, but in our blindness our sin still remains. And when we pray without self-knowledge, we pray aimlessly or unsurely.

Knowing oneself can be brutal. After all, there's probably nothing more deceitful than the heart (Jeremiah 17:9). In addition, it's all too easy to blame others for our own sinful, disgraceful, and wicked offenses. Not surprisingly, we can pay dearly for it.

We see this in 2 Samuel 12:5-7, when the prophet Nathan confronts David about his relationship with Bathsheba and the concealment of their affair. And the disastrous results that were incurred in the account of Absalom and Hushai in 2 Samuel 15:31–37; 16:20–17:23.

It's not easy to acknowledge our own faults and imperfections. But, no matter how hard we might try to disguise them, or how deeply we may try to bury them, they are made manifest in the eyes of God.

Truthfulness and authenticity, as they pertain to our deficiencies of self, is imperative. Pray for the grace of the Holy Spirit to provide the "ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see" your sinful shortcomings clearly, and forthright (Revelation 3:18).

Only by examining ourselves through the unbiased eyes of God will we be able to correct that which hinders our relationship, both, with Him, and those around us.

Scripture: Luke 9:23; Romans 8:7-8; Philippians 4:13; Romans 7:24; Philippians 2:4

Prayer: Dear Lord, I love You with all of my heart, soul, strength, and mind; thank You for Your wisdom, instruction, and loving-kindness, amen.

May God be with you,

Eriana