Rethinking Self-Examination: Measure Your Growth!

Each year, as Passover approaches, Christians face a deeply personal and often challenging task: self-examination. I Corinthians 11:28 says, “Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.” God requires us to do this before we take the symbols of the bread and wine during the Passover service.

Self-examination can feel daunting—even discouraging—because it requires an honest look at our shortcomings. During this process, it is easy to focus on our failures, leading some to approach this time with apprehension rather than anticipation. But self-examination was never meant to be a source of despair. Instead, it is a God-inspired tool for growth, renewal and encouragement.

II Corinthians 13:5 instructs Christians: “Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know you not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except you be reprobates?”

This verse emphasizes the need to examine. But it also shows that through examination, you can know Christ is working in you! Self-examination is not just about identifying weaknesses, it is about recognizing the evidence of God’s work in your life. You can prove and be encouraged by the fact that you are “in the faith.”

When done correctly, self-examination helps us measure both our struggles and our progress, offering a clearer picture of how God is transforming us (Rom. 12:2). Rather than leading to discouragement, this process should fill us with confidence and gratitude, reminding us that we are being shaped into the people God has called us to be.

By shifting our perspective, we can embrace self-examination as a powerful tool for spiritual encouragement—one that confirms God’s presence in us, strengthens our faith and renews our commitment to His ways. Let’s explore how we can measure our spiritual growth and keep the Spring Holy Days with joy and assurance.

Our Standard of Measurement

During self-examination, it can be difficult to know where to start. A key question is: What standard should we use?

Ephesians 4:13 says, “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”

Jesus Himself is our standard. Our ultimate goal is to reach “the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Why? His life shows us what true spiritual maturity looks like.

Jesus overcame temptation (Matt. 4:1-11), endured suffering with patience (I Pet. 2:21-23) and remained faithful during extreme trials (Heb. 12:2-3).

Yet God does not expect us to become perfect overnight. He wants us to continually strive to build holy, righteous character, one step at a time. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the comparison, we should use Christ’s example to guide and inspire our growth.

I Peter 2:21 says, “For even hereunto were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” This can apply to being willing to suffer for righteousness as Jesus did, but also following His steps in every area of our lives.

As you prepare for Passover, study the gospels to examine what Jesus said and did during His earthly ministry and what you can learn from it. Also remember that, as the Word (John 1:1-3), Jesus assisted God the Father with recording the entire Bible. Following Christ’s example goes far beyond the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Remembering to use Jesus Christ as our standard keeps us on the path of growth. A common pitfall is to start comparing yourself to other people instead of Christ.

II Corinthians 10:12 warns: “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”

Each person’s spiritual journey is unique. Some may appear to grow faster than others, but God works with each of us individually, helping us develop at the right pace. If we measure ourselves by the progress of others, we risk either discouragement (if we feel we are lagging behind) or complacency (if we perceive ourselves as more advanced).

Do not beat yourself up because you are not following Jesus’ steps perfectly. We are all still seeking perfection. We will sometimes trip up, stumble or feel lost. What is important is that we get back on track and pursue growth. Proverbs 24:16 says, “A just man falls seven times, and rises up again.”

The Journey of Spiritual Growth

Growing spiritually is a lifelong process filled with both advancements and setbacks. This journey resembles a long-distance race. Hebrews 12:1-2 urges us to “run with patience the race that is set before us.”

Unlike a sprint, which demands an intense burst of speed over a short distance, a marathon requires pacing, perseverance and resilience. A runner does not reach the finish line by exerting all of his energy at once. Instead, he maintains steady progress, even through moments of exhaustion and challenge.

Similarly, spiritual growth requires ongoing commitment and steady endurance.

This principle is vividly illustrated in Paul’s life. Before his conversion, Paul zealously persecuted the Church, believing he was serving God. His life was transformed after encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-16).

Paul’s transformation was not instant. He spent years growing in faith, facing hardships and enduring rejection and persecution for the faith he once opposed. Despite trials, imprisonments and suffering, he remained unwavering in his commitment to God’s calling. Read II Corinthians 11:23-28 for a taste of what he went through.

Paul acknowledged the long-term nature of spiritual growth, stating in Philippians 3:13-14, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

The next verse should give all of us comfort during the self-examination process: “Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing you be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you” (vs. 15). God will guide us through His Spirit to see what He wants us to see, good or bad.

The apostle Paul’s life is a powerful reminder that setbacks do not define our journey—our perseverance does.

Recognizing Growth in Daily Life

Christian growth is not always immediate or obvious, but over time, it becomes noticeable. I Timothy 4:15 says, “Meditate upon these things; give yourself wholly to them; that your profiting may appear to all.”

Paul told Timothy that as he continued to live God’s Way, his growth would become evident to everyone. That should be inspiring. But even before your spiritual maturity “appears to all,” you should be able to see it in yourself. That is why it is so important to regularly measure your growth, not just before Passover.

Growth unfolds gradually through daily choices and experiences. Regularly meditating on your growth helps you recognize how God is shaping you.

As you do, pray for clarity. Ask God to reveal areas where growth is present and where it is still needed. In Psalm 139:23-24, David prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Another way to gain clarity is to keep a record of answered prayers and personal victories. Journaling about moments when we demonstrated patience, overcame temptation or felt particularly close to God can help us recognize patterns of growth. Slowing down to capture these events reinforces that spiritual progress is happening, even if we do not always perceive it in the moment.

Sometimes, others recognize our spiritual progress before we do. Another way to recognize growth is by seeking guidance from spiritually mature people. Proverbs 11:14 states, “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”

While this article primarily deals with personal self-examination, this is another method to assess growth. Seeking counsel from God’s ministry, as well as friends and family in your life, can provide both encouragement and accountability.

A friend may notice that you respond to criticism with more humility than before, or a family member might see that you are more patient in stressful situations. Your minister may point out how your understanding of the Bible has deepened over time, reflecting spiritual maturity.

With intentional reflection and consistent effort, you can learn to recognize your spiritual growth over time. By honestly assessing your daily behavior, you can see where you are doing well and where you need improvement.

As you observe growth, be sure to thank God for it. Philippians 2:13 says, “For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”

Areas to Examine

Training yourself to look for and recognize spiritual growth is important. It is also vital to assess specific areas. While no article could cover every aspect of what God wants, we will look at several practical ways in which you should be growing.

Where do you see the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) in your life? We must be actively working to develop each of these nine fruits. The first fruit, love, is so important that Jesus said: “A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love one to another” (John 13:34-35). Our love toward others should mirror Christ’s own love.

Small, daily acts—offering encouragement, showing patience, serving others without seeking recognition—are signs that we love other people. Do we find ourselves going out of our way to help other people, or do we instead tend to focus on our own wants and needs? Philippians 2:4 adds, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

Longsuffering is another character attribute to look for. It is tested in how we respond to things like delays, disappointments and difficult people. Do we react with frustration, or have we developed the ability to endure challenges with calmness and composure?

Even small victories, such as remaining peaceful in situations that previously provoked stress or frustration, indicate that God’s Spirit is at work within us. Ephesians 4:2 reinforces this idea: “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.” This verse shows the connection between these two fruits of the Spirit.

Our relationship with God is also a key indicator of growth. Prayer and Bible study should not be mindless routines but dynamic reflections of our commitment to His way of life.

Prayer is our direct link of communication with God. We should consider whether our prayers are genuine and meaningful or hurried and repetitive. Jesus warned in Matthew 6:7, “But when you pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.”

A growing person will find that prayer becomes more natural and heartfelt throughout the day rather than only at set times. For example, a person who once only prayed in the morning or before bed may now find themselves turning to God throughout the day.

While having a longer primary prayer at the start or end of the day is good, you can be “instant in prayer” (Rom. 12:12) at any time. This includes when you are faced with a challenge, feeling grateful, or having to make a decision you did not expect. This kind of continual communication is a sign of spiritual maturity.

Another key sign of spiritual growth is how we handle trials. As we grow, our reaction to difficulties should change. Romans 5 says, “We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation works patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope” (vs. 3-4).

Do you view hardships as opportunities for growth or sources of despair? Do you lean on God instead of your own understanding (Prov. 3:3-5)?

Growth is evident when we trust in God’s plan instead of being consumed by worry. Jesus said: “And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If you then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take you thought for the rest?” (Luke 12:25-26). He went on to explain that God will provide for our needs, and instead of worrying, we should focus on the coming Kingdom. Take time to read the entire chapter.

In difficult situations, do you turn to prayer and Scripture for peace? A person who previously responded with angry frustration may now approach them with a spirit of patience, recognizing that trials develop character. These shifts, even when gradual, indicate that spiritual growth is taking place. Read James 1:2-7.

Another major indicator of spiritual growth is our progress in overcoming sin. Hebrews 12:1 says, “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us.” Although we will never become totally sinless before we achieve salvation, spiritual maturity is reflected in our persistent effort to resist temptation. James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love Him.”

Growth is measured by our willingness to rise each time we stumble. For instance, a person who once struggled with anger may now pause before reacting harshly, instead responding with patience. A person who gave in to gossip may now recognize the temptation and choose to remain silent.

John wrote, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” (I John 1:9-10). When you do slip up, are you quick to apply these verses and go to God to seek forgiveness?

These small but significant victories demonstrate that God is transforming us, shaping our character to align more closely with His righteousness.

Moving Forward with Joy

As you continue to prepare for Passover, reflect on where growth is still needed in your life and the progress God has helped you to make.

Our Creator never intended for self-examination to weigh us down with guilt. While we should feel some remorse when we see areas where we are falling short, we should use it as motivation. God does not want you under a dark cloud of depression during a season of renewal.

Self-examination should be a reminder that Christ is working in you. Remember Paul’s words in II Corinthians 13:5: “Know you not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except you be reprobates?”

Every step of faith, every trial endured and every effort to overcome sin is evidence of God’s hand in your life. Philippians 1:6 says, “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

I Peter 5:10 adds, “The God of all grace, who has called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”

As you reflect on your journey, remember that spiritual growth is not measured in a single moment but over a lifetime. Approach Passover with faith and assurance, knowing that God is guiding you toward perfection—one step at a time, year after year—until His work in you is complete.