The Gift of Introspection

There is a huge difference between Gospel-less self-improvement and Gospel-rich introspection. The discipline of introspection includes a Scripture-informed, Search-me-O-God that listens to the Spirit’s work to expose blind spots and needed places of sanctification. One is healthy and a means of grace toward spiritual progress, while the other makes self the focus and achievement the goal. When we have a firm grasp on the Gospel and our identity in Christ, we have no fear of godly introspection. We can invite the searching work of the Spirit and welcome conviction because we know it does not lead to condemnation, but sanctification. All this to say, building the spiritual habit of introspection protects us from superficiality and promotes real depth of character. With this as the desired outcomes, let’s press into developing a spiritual ear to the voice of the Spirit who is our Helper and wants our spiritual progress more than we do. How will you advance this in your life this week? This Lenten season in preparation for Easter weekend?