Yearly Evaluation: Agony to Ecstasy © 2021 WF Cobb Truthbase.net      DailyTruthbase.Blogspot.com

Pr 14:8  The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deception.

I. Why We Enjoy Self-Deception rather than Evaluation (Plan/Organize/Supervise/Evaluate -Sell on Change)

Lam 3:40 Let's search out and examine our ways, and turn back to Lord 25..is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him

 Our worth is tied to the wrong things (product vs process);  2Cor 10:12 compare self to others is not wise                      Haggai 1:5

We’d rather think/imagine we’ve accomplished something than actually do it    1Cor 10:12 think stand? Take heed or you'll fall

If the guilt fits we alter it. 2Cor 7:10 godly sorrow produces repentance (mind-change) eis (leading to) salvation

II. Why We should Evaluate Ourselves Gal 6:4 let each one examine/test his own work and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone

Ps 139:23 Search me, God-know my heart; Try me-know my anxieties; 24 See if there is any wicked way in me-lead me in the way everlasting

Map: Knowing where we are is the key to getting where you want to go.                 (Socrates cf Psych Today 6/2018: Examined Life 7 Questions)

Recognizing and correcting mistakes is the only sure way to avoid repetition  1Cor 11:31 if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.

We’re commanded to 2Pt 1:10  brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never fall 11...abundant entrance into the kingdom  2Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith...Test yourselves...disqualified

III. What We should Evaluate: Are we knowing and doing the will of God every day/hour (godliness)?

Ps 143:8b Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. Ps 25:4 Show me Your ways LORD; Teach me Your paths. 5 Lead me in Your truth 9 The humble He guides in justice 10 All the paths of the LORD are hesed and truth to those who keep...cov't

 Key Questions to ask re:  (See TOYL Goal Autopsy for a more)

A. The Process of Growth and Change – What have I done to make intentional rather than haphazard progress? How have I disciplined myself (1Tim 4:7 exercise/train/discipline NASB yourself for godliness)? 1Cor 9:27 discipline...subjection...not disqualified

B. Our Purpose - What progress have I made toward fulfilling my purpose to glorify God and my plan to love others?

Eph 5:15 walk wisely 16 redeeming the time 17  Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

C. Work – What value have I added to my employer?  For what service am I actually being paid? How have I grown in ability?

Col 3:22…in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing...reward

D. Relationships –  How have those around me become more like Christ or more pleasing to God as a result of me? Mt 28 teach to obey

1 Cor 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink the cup. Phil 2 consider others more important

              Friendships –  How am I benefiting and serving my friends? Where would I be tempted to “use” them?

                Marriage – How am I meeting each of my spouse’s needs? What does my spouse think/feel? How am I helping my spouse grow?

                Parenting – How am I meeting my kid(s)’ needs (Compete/Compensate/Celebrate)?  Are they mastering the ABC’s of success?

              Co-Workers – What needs have I identified, and how is my plan going to meet them? How am I involving others in the Body?

E. Personal Growth – How have I increased my usefulness to the Master? What would make me sharper/more effective?

Ps 26:2 Examine me LORD, prove/test me; Try/refine my mind and heart 3 Your hesed is before my eyes, I walk in truth/faithfulness

IV. Spiritual Growth – Have I become more like Christ this year? Why did I change? What did I specifically do and what happened? Why? How can I better view my life and world from God's perspective? Is God pleased with my growth in righteousness?

Fruit Col 1:9 do not cease to pray for you, that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will by all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10  that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

                                                                                                                                                                                                Jn 7:17 will to do His will

V. Ministry – In whose life am I investing? How am I helping them reach God’s objectives for their life? How am I as an example?

Training Objectives – How have I grown as a disciple and in my ability to disciple others? Lk 6:40 trained=like teacher  Mt 28 commission

                TOYL on Truthbase.net

VI. Set New Goals based upon:

A. What you’ve learned from your evaluation, keying in on correcting greatest dangers {Temptations} and maximizing greatest benefits.

B. Input from spouse, children, accountability partner, elders (who watch for your souls). >>> Shepherding/TOYL Goals

C. Where the gusts of wind are blowing (Phil 2:13) God is at work in you to will and to do His good pleasure  (therefore don't resist)

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. What makes us look forward to or dread evaluation? How can you change your perspective on the subject?

2. What are some of the dangers of ignoring the symptoms and living in unreality? What brings folks down to earth?

3. What motivates you to evaluate and grow? What makes you reluctant to participate in the process? (chains of comfort and ease)

4. How do you help someone who doesn’t want to evaluate their lives and change for the better?

5. If your goals were perfectly good for last year, should you change them for this year?