Self Examine !!!

Do We Examine Ourselves?

When I was working at AB Academy in 2017, I was promoted to be a part of the HR team. One of our responsibilities was visiting various colleges to recruit students. During interviews, we would ask a few common questions:

• Tell me about yourself.
• What are your strengths?
• What are your weaknesses?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?

Based on their responses, we would assess their abilities, determine their designation, and even recommend their salary.

In other words, we were trying to understand who they were and what they were capable of.

But have you ever asked yourself these questions?

• How well do you know yourself?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

These questions lead us to an even more important question:

Do we examine ourselves?

To examine means to look carefully and thoughtfully in order to discover something. Self-examination is the process of understanding who we are, where we are headed, and whether our lives reflect what truly matters.

Sometimes, self-examination can begin with simple questions:

• How was my day?
• What did I do today?
• Did I use my time wisely?

If we want to go a little deeper, we may ask ourselves some life-changing questions:

• What is the vision I want to achieve?
• What is the purpose of my life?
• What are my ambitions?
• Am I moving in the right direction to fulfil my goals?
• What barriers do I need to overcome?
• What am I truly interested in?
• What is my identity?
• What are my priorities?

Questions like these help us understand ourselves better.

Questions Matter

Questions are often more important than answers because good questions lead us to growth and discovery.

Many scientific discoveries, social changes, and personal transformations began with someone asking the right question. Curiosity has always been the starting point of learning and innovation.

Likewise, asking honest questions about our own lives can lead to meaningful change.

The Greek philosopher Socrates once said:

"The unexamined life is not worth living."

Why Should We Examine Ourselves?

Self-examination helps us become self-aware. It enables us to understand our strengths, limitations, and the kind of person we are becoming.

When we know ourselves better, we become more intentional in our:

• Studies
• Work
• Relationships
• Talents and gifts
• Spiritual life
• Personal growth

The Bible also encourages self-examination:

"If we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged."

— 1 Corinthians 11:31

Examining ourselves is not about being overly critical or feeling guilty. It is about being honest enough to recognise where we are and courageous enough to grow.

How Can We Examine Ourselves?

1. Examine Your Priorities

What we prioritise eventually shapes who we become. Take time to evaluate whether your priorities align with your goals and values.

2. Examine Your Lifestyle

Our lifestyle reflects our habits and disciplines. Consider questions such as:

• How do I manage my time?
• Am I maintaining healthy routines?
• How am I spending my energy and resources?

Small daily habits often determine long-term outcomes.

3. Examine Yourself Every Day

Spend a few moments each day reflecting on your actions and decisions. Before going to bed, ask yourself:

• What did I do well today?
• What could I have done differently?
• What should I improve tomorrow?

Daily reflection leads to steady growth.

4. Listen to Constructive Feedback

Sometimes, others can see things about us that we fail to notice. Be willing to listen to wise and experienced people who genuinely desire your growth.

A Biblical Call to Self-Examination

The Bible encourages believers to examine not only their lives but also their faith.

"Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!"

— 2 Corinthians 13:5

Self-examination is not a one-time event. It is a lifelong practice. When we regularly pause to reflect on our priorities, actions, and spiritual walk, we become more intentional about the lives we are living.

At the end of the day, perhaps the most important question is not whether others know who we are—but whether we truly know ourselves and are becoming the people God has called us to be.

Take a few minutes today and ask yourself:

Am I living intentionally, or am I simply living?

---

Originally written in 2017 and revised in 2026.

Article by Daniel Justine