Building on our conversation last week about breaking free from the rat race, this week we’ll focus on the topic of “Leading an Unexamined Life”, which is the second chapter of “The Man in the Mirror.”
Today’s verse is from Lamentations 3:40 which says, “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.”
Understanding the Unexamined Life
The unexamined life, as discussed in our passage, reflects a journey without introspection, where actions and decisions are made without the deliberate consideration of one’s values, purpose, or the alignment of these with God’s will. It reminds me of the saying “if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail”. This can lead us away from the path God intends for us, resulting in a life filled with missed opportunities for growth, fulfillment, service, and building strong friendships!
The Tombstone Testimony
This chapter discusses the topic of legacy and the signs/indications of a life well-lived. Our desire to be remembered as “a good and faithful servant” underscores the essence of leading an examined life. This is a life that consistently reflects on how our actions, relationships, and faith align with God’s expectations and our true calling.
The Journey of Faith
As we mature in our faith journey, our trust and commitment to Jesus should deepen, moving from a conceptual belief to a guiding force in our life. This shift is an essential part of transitioning from an unexamined to an examined life, where our daily choices and our overarching life direction are intentionally aligned with our faith.
The Call to Discipleship
This chapter also discussed the importance of discipleship in preventing the pitfalls of an unexamined life. Discipleship, characterized by mentorship, guidance, and accountability, helps us navigate our faith journey, ensuring we remain true to our Christian values and God’s plan for us.
Embracing the Examined Life
In our goal to move toward living examined life, we commit to a journey of frequent reflection, which reminds us to align our values and our daily actions. It’s a path marked by a willingness to ask tough questions, to face our imperfections, and to grow in faith and character under God’s guidance. This chapter challenges us to look beyond the superficial, to dig deeper into our faith, and to live in a way that, when our time comes, we too might hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Questions:
- Based on today’s lesson, would you say you are living a life that is closer to the examined or unexamined end of the spectrum?
- Reflecting on the “tombstone testimony,” what words or phrases do you hope might define your life?
- As a follow up to question #2, does your vision of how you want to be remembered influence your daily choices and long-term goals? If so, in what ways?
- How can this group help those who want more discipleship and accountability in their lives? What are some simple but powerful things group members can start doing that will move us in this direction?
- Facing the Mirror: If you are comfortable sharing, what discrepancies do you find between the “visible you” and the “real you”? How can you bring these into closer alignment?
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