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

Lam 3:40  Let us search out and examine our ways, And turn back to the Lord
Our worth is tied to the wrong things (product vs process);  2Cor 10:12
We’d rather think we’ve accomplished something than actually do it 1Cor 10:12 
If the guilt fits we alter it. 2 Co  7:10 godly sorrow produces repentance  to salvation,

II. Why We should Evaluate Ourselves Gal 6:4  let each one examines

Map: Knowing where we are is the key to getting where you want to go.
Recognizing and correcting mistakes is the only sure way to avoid repetition
 1 Cor 11:31  if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.
We’re commanded to 2 Pt 1:10  brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never fall 2 Cor 13:5

III. What We should Evaluate

Ps 143:8b Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.

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?

B. Our Purpose - What progress have I made toward fulfilling my purpose to glorify God and my plan to love others?
Eph 5:17  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 3:22-23… in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23  And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,

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

1 Cor 11:28  But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
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, O LORD, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart.

IV. Spiritual Growth

Have I become more like Christ this year? Why did I change? What did I specifically do and what happened? Why?
Fruit Col 1:9  do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in 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;

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

VI. Set New Goals based upon

A. What you’ve learned from your evaluation, keying in on correcting greatest dangers {Temptations} and maximizing greatest benefit.
B. Input from spouse, children, accountability partner, elders (who watch for your souls). >>> Shepherding Goal
C. Where the gusts of wind are blowing (Phil 2:13)

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?
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?