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Writer's pictureAnthony Watts

Practicing Self Examination

Starting soon, I'm going to post a collection of thoughts on how to reflect more deeply on our journey with Jesus. I've been meaning to do this for some time and have finally gotten around to it. I would also love for some of you to share your insights on what you've found helpful practicing self-examination (reflection). I'm hoping this will be a type of learning lab so that we can all grow on our journey with Jesus.


One of the primary dynamics of our meetings involves engaging in spiritual discussions with each other. There are two main components to spiritual conversation:

(1) learning how to share our stories of following Jesus and

(2) learning how to guide others on their journey of following Jesus.


Spiritual conversation is only spiritual when we invite Jesus, through his Spirit, into our sharing and guiding of others. So whether we're having conversation around the table, meeting in our band, or practicing one of our rhythms as a Table Community, spiritual conversation is the driving force behind it all.


As we all know from personal experience, recounting our journeys of following Jesus, week to week, requires a significant amount of self-reflection. My observation has been that most of us (ie our culture) live largely unreflective lives, which is why our Table Community and 'Band' is so important. These rhythms of gathering force us to reflect on our lives with God and others.


If you're like me, building a consistent rhythm of reflection often feels like an uphill battle. It's well documented that we are busier and more distracted than any society before us. For many of us, the phone alone is the single biggest obstacle to growing in our friendship with Jesus and others! This is and will be a constant learning curve for all of us.


Learning how to reflect more deeply is super important. I'm increasingly convinced the more we reflect on our lives with God the more we experience God in the present. It seems counter-intuitive, but reflection helps us live more fully present with Jesus in our day to day because we're no longer wandering aimlessly through life.


Through this series of posts, I will address some of the theology and practicalities of self-examination. I'm hoping this will be helpful as we continue to press into our Table Communities and Band rhythms.



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