Look Truth in the Eye: Self-Examination for Christian Teens

In a previous post, I talked about fighting against those pet sins that keep coming back for you. Everyone has habitual sins we struggle to let go of. You know which ones they are for you.

But some sins creep into your life with almost no notice, like the Virginia Creeper in my garden. One day the ground is clear, the next those spindly little vines have wrapped themselves around every plant in sight.

Sin does that, too. You think you’re fine until suddenly you’re not and you have no idea how you got there. That’s why I encourage regular self-examination for Christian teens.

What Exactly is Self-Examination?

Self-examination isn’t all that different from looking at yourself in the mirror after you’ve dressed for the day. See any hairs out of place or spinach in your teeth? Is your zipper up and every button fastened? Wouldn’t want to go out with one pant leg tucked into your socks.

In the same way, a Christian who examines his life for sin must pick up the Bible and use it as a mirror to check himself for areas where sin may have crept back into his life.

Why Christian Teens Should Practice Self-Examination

Before we get into the logistics of self-examination, let’s talk about the why. Why do I need to worry about sin? Didn’t Jesus take away my sin? 

You are correct when you say nothing you do could possibly make yourself more acceptable to God. Nothing. You are as acceptable to God as Jesus Christ. You can never be perfect, and you don’t have to be. (For more on this, see my post How Do I Know if I Am Acceptable to God?)

So how does that affect your attitude toward God? When you realize the profound depth of his love for you, you can’t help but love him back, and this is how you do it: by living a life of holiness. Fight sin and temptation and follow his commands. Strive for excellence. Don’t let the weeds of sin come between you and God.

See my post on God’s Love Language for more.

Beware the Dangers of Christian Self-Reflection

Of course there’s always a caveat. Think back to my mirror analogy for a moment. When you examine yourself in a mirror, it’s easy to become obsessive, focusing on the extra pounds or skin blemishes until they’re all you see and you become discouraged.

In the same way, Christian self-reflection, when done the wrong way, can lead to an inaccurate assessment and discouragement.

I’m a terrible, no-good sinner. Why isn’t God helping me? Where is he in my life? I have nothing to offer. I’m not making a difference in the world at all.

This type of introspection actually makes you more self-absorbed, taking the focus off Christ and undermining your faith. True and honest spiritual self-assessment means removing the blinders so you are aware of the sins you’ve been clinging to, then letting the light of Christ break into the darkness of your soul.

Check out Desiring God’s article Self-Examination Speaks a Thousand Lies if you find yourself focusing inward in your own spiritual self-assessment.

Bible Verses About Self-Examination

In case you’re wondering, self-examination is a Biblical concept.

• “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” Lamentations 3:40
• “Each one should test their own actions.” Galatians 6:4
• “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
• “Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent.” Revelation 3:3

Steps to Self-Examination For Christian Teens

1. Read your Bible. You can’t know what’s wrong if you don’t look in the mirror!
2. Pray. Ask God to reveal what weeds have crept into your life, and how to get rid of them.
3. Don’t obsess. If you start beating yourself up over your shortcomings, you’ll never get to the next step and the whole process of spiritual self-assessment is pointless.
4. Shine the gospel light on your self-reflection. God knows your worst secrets and still loves you. Be assured of the security of his love so you are empowered to make the necessary changes rather than wallowing in self-pity.
5. Repent and make changes. Time to turn over the dirt in your garden and rid your life of those weeds. This involves removing temptations and making lifestyle changes, which may include changing who you hang out with. Do what it takes to pull the weeds.
6. Read your Bible and pray again. Don’t ever quit reading your Bible and praying. These are the most crucial elements.
7. Fill the void. When you remove something bad from your life, you need to fill it with something good. Hang out with Christian friends, attend a Bible study group, volunteer in the community. Sin favors an idle person.
8. Rejoice! Don’t forget this step. Your chains are gone, you’ve been set free. Sin can’t hold you down. Rejoice in the love of a God who not only loves but accepts you!
9. Rinse and repeat. Do the above over and over again!

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Galatians 2:20

More Help in the Battle Against Sin

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For more on replacing sin with something better, see Desiring God as the Ultimate Source of Pleasure.

Struggling to realize how big God’s love is for you? Check out my post How to Really, Truly Know God Loves You.

Still beating yourself up for your sins and shortcomings? You need to read What is the Hardest Thing to Believe In Christianity?

Every battle against sin is worth it. For more help in this area, check out How can I stop wanting to sin? from 412Teens.org.