“Self-awareness is central to transformation,” says Jan Johnson. I truly believe that. We cannot hand over the areas of ourselves that still have room for transformation if we are not aware of them. Self-awareness is much different than self-absorption. When you look at self-awareness as necessary for transformation, you partner with God to become more like Jesus.
Listen to this. Jan Johnson said, “Self-awareness is central to transformation because it shows us what we truly treasure. Indeed, the devotional masters stressed the twin themes of knowing God and knowing ourselves in how the Spirit works within us.”
Want to join me by meditating on these two pieces of scripture below? I’d encourage you to read each, then pick a word or phrase that stands out to you most and sit with that word or phrase for about 5 minutes. This is a version of centering prayer.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:19-21
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139: 23-24
Wow, how wonderful to take a few moments to rest with those versus. Let’s continue with a few journal questions…
What do you treasure?
Do your calendar and online spending records match up with what you say you treasure?
What happens inside you when you ask God to search your heart?
Is God inviting you into anything new after reading these verses?
Are you led to pray anything specific?
I hope as you spend time growing in self-awareness you sense God's grace and love, rather than going down the road of self-judgement. It's not about how much we know about ourselves, but about how much compassion we infuse into that knowing. Be gentle on yourself and know that God is right alongside you, rooting you on. Happy rooting, everyone!