- Do you look down on those who are less educated, less affluent, less refined, or less successful than yourself?
- Do you think of yourself as more spiritual than your mate, others in your in your church?
- Do you have a judgmental spirit toward those who don’t make the same lifestyle choices you do . . . dress standards, how you school your kids, entertainment standards, etc.?
- Are you quick to find fault with others and to verbalize those thoughts to others?
- Do you have a sharp, critical tongue?
- Do you frequently correct or criticize your mate, your pastor, or other people in positions of leadership (teachers, youth director, etc.)?
- Do you give undue time, attention, and effort to your physical appearance—hair, make-up, clothing, weight, body shape, avoiding appearance of aging?
- Are you proud of the schedule you keep, how disciplined you are, how much you are able to accomplish?
- Are you driven to receive approval, praise, or acceptance from others?
- Are you argumentative?
- Do you generally think your way is the right way, the only way, or the best way?
- Do you have a touchy, sensitive spirit? Easily offended? Get your feelings hurt easily?
- Are you guilty of pretense? Trying to leave a better impression of yourself than is really true? (Would the people at church be shocked if they knew what you were like at home?)
- Do you have a hard time admitting when you are wrong?
- Do you have a hard time confessing your sin to God or others? (not just in generalities but specifics)
- Do you have a hard time sharing your real spiritual needs/struggles with others?
- Do you have a hard time praying aloud with others?
- Are you excessively shy?
- Do you have a hard time reaching out and being friendly to people you don’t know at church?
- Do you resent being asked or expected to serve your family, your parents, or others?
- Do you become defensive when you are criticized or corrected?
- Are you a perfectionist? Do you get irked or impatient with people who aren’t?
- Do you tend to be controlling—of your mate, your children, friends, those in your workplace?
- Do you frequently interrupt people when they are speaking?
- Does your husband feel intimidated by your “spirituality”?
- Does your husband feel like he can never measure up to your expectations of what it means to be a good husband, spiritual leader, etc.?
- Do you often complain—about the weather, your health, your circumstances, your job, your church?
- Do you talk about yourself too much?
- Are you more concerned about your problems, needs, burdens than about others’ concerns?
- Do you worry about what others think of you? Too concerned about your reputation or your family’s reputation?
- Do you neglect to express gratitude for “little things”? To God? To others?
- Do you neglect prayer and intake of the Word?
- Do you get hurt if your accomplishments/or acts of service are not recognized or rewarded?
- Do you get hurt if your feelings or opinions are not considered when your mate or your boss is making a decision or if you are not informed when a change or decision is made?
- Do you react to rules? Do you have a hard time being told what to do?
- Are you self-conscious because of your lack of education or natural beauty, or your socio-economic status?
- Do you avoid participating in certain events, for fear of being embarrassed or looking foolish?
- Do you avoid being around certain people because you feel inferior compared to them/don’t feel you measure up?
- Are you uncomfortable inviting people to your home because you don’t think it’s nice enough or you can’t afford to do lavish entertaining?
- Is it hard for you to let others know when you need help (practical or spiritual)?
- When is the last time you said these words to a family member, friend, or coworker: “I was wrong; would you please forgive me?” (If it’s been more than a month, mark it down!)
Are you sitting here thinking how many of these questions apply to someone you know? Feeling pretty good that none of these things really apply to you?
© Revive Our Hearts. Used with permission. www.ReviveOurHearts.com