My friend, fellow Hoosier, and preaching colleague, Steve Wolfgang, recently posted 7 Rules for Self-Discovery by A. W. Tozer that caught my eye.
Tozer originally published these in an essay entitled The Root of the Righteous, which later became the title of a book.
Tozer understood something that Scripture repeatedly teaches: character is revealed not merely by what we profess, but by what we desire, pursue, enjoy, and value. His seven rules provide a helpful mirror for the soul.
The 7 “Rules for Self-Discovery” are:
- What we want most;
- What we think about most;
- How we use our money;
- What we do with our leisure time;
- The company we enjoy;
- Who and what we admire;
- What we laugh at.
Seeing the list brings to mind Paul’s exhortation in 2 Corinthians 13:5: “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith.” Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.
Let’s briefly reflect on each of these seven and see what we see.
#1 What do we want most?
This is a test of devotion.
The Psalmist penned, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God” (Ps. 42:1).
It’s often observed that we become what we worship. Is it God we seek, or do we spend our days pursuing position, power, prestige, pleasure, or wealth?
Your deepest desires reveal what you really worship and who you are becoming.
#2 What do we think about the most?
This is a test of mental purity and holiness of heart.
Scripture calls for us to set our minds on things above (Col. 3:1-2) and to think about things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, virtuous, and praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8).
The world’s thinking would lead us to worry, anxiety, and carnal ambition. It would entertain the impure and putrid.
Our thoughts eventually shape our character. As the wise man wrote, “As he thinks in his heart so is he” (Prov. 23:7).
#3 How do you use your money?
This is a test of stewardship.
Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21).
One writer opined that how we spend our money is a paper trail of our values. Do we use our resources for selfish pleasures? Carnal indulgences? Wasteful impulses?
Or are we using our material blessings to the glory of God? To support the Lord’s work? And do we serve the needs of our fellow man?
#4 What are you doing in your leisure time?
This is a test of our self-discipline and how we use the freedom that leisure provides.
Leisure time can be used for fleshly indulgences, mindless distractions, or self-serving activities.
We’re commanded to “make the best use of your time” (Eph. 5:16). Time invested in Bible reading, prayer, reflection, and personal development can enrich our souls. Time pursuing God-given responsibilities will reap eternal rewards.
#5 Who do you enjoy being with?
This is a test of our spiritual affinity.
Do we seek the association of godly people who share our values? The fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ ought to outweigh the friendships of the world (Rom. 12:10).
Paul warned, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals’” (1 Cor. 15:33).
Preferring the company of those who ignore God, deride Christian values, and even seek to compromise our beliefs is a big red flag spiritually.
#6 Who and what do you admire?
This is a test of your moral standards.
The people we admire often reveal the kind of people we secretly wish to become.
Is our admiration for the world’s heroes greater than our appreciation for the simple, humble servants of God?
Take 20 minutes to read Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. In it, you’ll see a stark contrast between the world’s value system and the principles of Kingdom righteousness. Which do you appreciate the most?
#7 What do you laugh at?
This is a test of the purity of your heart.
Our laughter often exposes what our hearts have grown comfortable with.
Do we find humor in crude jokes, vulgar remarks, and sinful escapades?
The Bible condemns filthy, foolish talk, and crude joking (Eph. 5:4). We’re further instructed to take no pleasure in unrighteousness and in those who engage in it (2 Thess. 2:12; Rom. 1:32).
Take these seven questions and, as Paul admonished, “test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves.”
None of us will answer these questions perfectly. Yet honest self-examination is not intended to discourage us, but to help us grow. When these questions expose weaknesses, they also reveal opportunities for repentance, renewal, and spiritual progress.
As we look into the mirror of God’s Word, may we have the courage to see ourselves honestly and the faith to become more like Christ.
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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