What does "considered my ways" teach about self-examination in a Christian life? The Key Verse “I considered my ways and turned my feet to Your testimonies.” What “considered my ways” Means • “Considered” translates a Hebrew word that carries ideas of carefully reviewing, accounting, and weighing. • “My ways” points to patterns of thought, motive, speech, and conduct—the whole direction of a life. • Together the phrase pictures a deliberate, honest self-audit measured by God’s revealed truth. Why Self-Examination Matters • Scripture commands it. – “Let us examine and test our ways” (Lamentations 3:40). – “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). • It protects against drifting. – Without regular checkpoints, subtle compromises harden into habits (Hebrews 2:1). • It prepares the heart for obedience. – In Psalm 119:59 reflection leads immediately to repentance: “and turned my feet.” How to Practice This Examination 1. Open the Bible as the measuring line. – God’s testimonies, not personal feelings, set the standard (James 1:23-25). 2. Pray for Spirit-given insight. – “Search me, O God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23-24). 3. Review specific areas: • Thoughts and attitudes (Philippians 4:8). • Words spoken (Ephesians 4:29). • Relationships and conflicts (Romans 12:18). • Stewardship of time and resources (Ephesians 5:15-16). • Private life—what only God sees (Luke 12:2-3). 4. Compare what you find to God’s testimonies. – Where alignment exists, give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18). – Where sin appears, confess and forsake it (1 John 1:9). 5. “Turn your feet.” – Replace sinful patterns with concrete acts of obedience (Ephesians 4:22-24). The Fruit That Follows • Renewed fellowship with God (1 John 1:7). • Clear guidance; light for the next step (Psalm 119:105). • Growing stability and joy (Psalm 112:1, 7-8). • Readiness for Christ’s return (Revelation 2:5). Takeaway To “consider my ways” is to pause, spread every part of life before the Word, and let that honest appraisal move you to fresh obedience. Regular, Scripture-saturated self-examination keeps a believer walking in the light and chasing after God’s best. |
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