Day 29 - Self-assessment
Scripture focus: My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you've been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You're deeply rooted in him. You're well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you've been taught. School's out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7 (The Message)
One of the favorite questions I've ever been asked is a simple, straightforward one: "How does anyone ever know how they're really doing?"
It's a great question.
We've learned the importance of acknowledging our feelings, but we've also heard that we shouldn't allow them to determine our steps.
Most of us realize memories can be clouded, and can even been downright faulty. Yet we know that often our perceptions and memories unconsciously drive our choices in the present.
Everyone has heard about the propensity to live in the land of denial. We're told we can't quite trust our decision-making, and we need a community to help us navigate the early stages of recovery.
So how can we feel any confidence in our ability to assess our progress?
It's pretty simple and straightforward.
Are you grateful?
Are you thankful for this new life God has provided?
Gratitude is one of those emotional litmus tests that has a high degree of accuracy. When we are capable of experiencing the attitude of gratitude in spite of our circumstances, we know we're moving toward maturity - maybe even life transformation.
If we want to assess our standing, I suggest we whip out our thanksgiving meter and see how much gratitude we're exuding.
Recommended reading: Psalms 23-25
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