Casandra Martin

The great philosopher, Socrates, once proclaimed, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”

It is an interesting thought. We live in a world that tends to rush, makes lasting decisions based on first impressions, and dedicates itself to valuing the surface over depth. Examinations, by their very definition, take time. There is an investment of the mind, a determination of the heart, and a willingness of the spirit that is required if we are going to pull back the layers and explore the deep meaning of life.

The longer I walk with God, the more I realize that Socrates word’s hold truth. God gives us this life to enjoy, embrace, and examine. He doesn’t want us to float over the surface of life. He longs for us to dive in and experience all the richness, abundance, joy, and purpose He has for us. When we stop and examine our lives, we will find the fingerprints of God covering every moment.

Can you look at your life and see the movement of God? This is the most important examination we can ever make. Until we are aware of God’s presence in the individual, ordinary moments of our days, it will be difficult to live in the midst of His fullness and grace. Study your relationships and feel God’s heartbeat. Examine the rhythm of your days and sense His hand on your life. Look in your pantry and be aware of His provision. Open your Bible and let it serve as a mirror for your heart and a magnifying glass for His great love. Count your blessings and let them frame His movement in your life.

My Jesus Resolution today is stop and examine. With all due respect to Socrates, I want my life to proclaim, “The God-examined life is worth living.” The God-examined life begins by being deliberately aware of God’s presence. The God-transformed life is created by deep surrender. The God-honoring life is fueled by wonder and worship. The God-infused life is dedicated to prayer and truth. Today I am stop and trace God’s fingerprints. I am going to examine His ways, study His movement, and listen for His voice. I want a life worth living. I am going to keep my eyes open, and notice…everything.