Think Again

1. Introspection can be a suffocating burden, trapping us in self.

There is escape from suffocating introspection and healing of the cataract of selfishness in your soul-eye.

A common struggle. Many people experience introspection not as helpful self-reflection, but as a wearying burden. Our minds constantly turn inward, overanalyzing thoughts, feelings, and actions, leading to exhaustion and discouragement. This self-focus can feel like being trapped in a vortex.

Signs of burden. Excessive introspection manifests in various ways:

• Overanalyzing conversations and decisions
• Hypersensitivity to criticism and opinions
• Deep self-consciousness in social settings
• Constant comparison with others
• Relentless self-accusations and false guilt

The need for rescue. This inward pull is a danger, stealing joy and effectiveness. The book argues that while introspection itself isn't bad, its excess is a form of bondage. We need help to escape this self-imposed prison and find relief from the constant burden of looking in.

2. True self-knowledge comes from looking away from ourselves, especially to Christ.

The irony of identity is that by looking away from ourselves we are more likely to discover our identity.

Looking inward fails. We often think we can discover who we are by intense self-study, like Jason Bourne trying to remember his past. However, the book argues that this approach is flawed. Looking inward endlessly leads to confusion and self-absorption, not clarity.

Looking outward reveals. Our true identity is not self-determined but is found in God. The Bible teaches us about human nature and our purpose, which is to glorify God. We understand ourselves best when we see ourselves in relation to our Creator and Redeemer.

The cross illuminates. The most profound self-knowledge comes from looking at the cross of Christ. There we see:

• Our dignity (made in God's image, worth Christ's sacrifice)
• Our sin (so severe it required his death)
• Our new identity (in Christ, a new creation)
• Our value (precious to God, purchased at great cost)
• Our destiny (to be like him, sharing his glory)

3. The gospel frees us from the destructive extremes of self-love and self-hatred.

Apart from Christ, and with self as our god, the only options are self-esteem (“I’m awesome”) or self-hatred (“I’m worthless”).

The idol of self. Culture often promotes self-esteem and self-love as the answer to our problems, leading to narcissism (like the Greek myth). Conversely, many struggle with self-hatred and worthlessness (like Dobby the house elf). Both extremes are destructive and stem from making self an idol.

Self-esteem fails. The pursuit of high self-esteem is often based on performance or comparison, leading to fear of failure or arrogance. Research suggests high self-esteem doesn't predict success and can reinforce self-centeredness. It's a fragile foundation.

Christ displaces self. The gospel offers a different way to view ourselves, one based not on our performance or feelings, but on Christ's work. In Christ, we are simultaneously sinful yet accepted. This leads to deep humility (knowing our sin required his death) and profound confidence (knowing we are loved despite our sin). This "gospel-humility" silences both self-exaltation and self-condemnation.

4. We must reassess why we look inward and shift to Christ-focused reflection.

This constant introspection . . . steals the pith and substance out of whatever realities there are around us, and which were meant by Heaven to be the spirit’s joy and nutriment.

Introspection's dangers. Like Arthur Dimmesdale in The Scarlet Letter, constant, morbid introspection can torture but not purify. It drains joy, blinds us to God's gifts, and leaves us stuck in regret and self-condemnation.

Reasons for introspection. We look inward for various reasons:

• A desire to honor God through self-examination (good impulse)
• An introverted personality (natural tendency)
• The pursuit of peace and joy (misguided goal)
• Dwelling on our sin (can be hijacked by Satan)
• Seeking the cause of suffering (often misattributed)
• The pride of self-absorption (sinful root)

Shift to Christ-ospection. While some introspection is necessary (e.g., biblical self-examination), the goal is not self-revelation but Christ-revelation. True peace and joy are found not by looking within, but by coming to Christ. The "self-emptied life" focused on God and others is the opposite of self-absorption and leads to greater joy and usefulness.

5. Escaping introspective doubt and despair requires focusing on God's character and promises.

When I remember God, I moan; when I meditate, my spirit faints.

Trapped in despair. Like Christian and Hopeful in Doubting Castle, we can be captured by Giant Despair, who bludgeons us with introspective doubts and self-condemnation. Our souls refuse comfort, and meditating on our condition only makes things worse, leading to sleeplessness and inability to speak.

Distrust self-assessment. In these moments, our self-assessments are unreliable. We exaggerate our misery, feel unique in our struggles, and condemn ourselves harshly. This is not humility but self-condemnation, which hinders faith. We need help from others to see clearly.

Focus on God. The way out is to shift focus from our condition to God's character and deeds. Like Asaph in Psalm 77, we must remember:

• God's holiness and incomparability
• His mighty deeds in history (e.g., parting the Red Sea)
• His unchanging goodness and power
• His tenderness and skill in sustaining the weary
• His great and precious promises (the "key" to escape)

6. Fighting false guilt means distinguishing it from true guilt and applying Christ's forgiveness.

Wallowing in false guilt is the fruit of fixing one’s gaze on oneself rather than on the acceptance and freedom found in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Guilt's burden. Many believers carry a heavy burden of guilt, often a vague sense of failure. This can stem from spiritual matters, lifestyle choices, or comparisons with others. Not all guilt feelings are accurate; we must distinguish between feeling guilty and being guilty before God.

False guilt's roots. Misplaced guilt often preys on insecurity and thrives on unhealthy comparisons. It can be fueled by the fear of man, seeking human approval over divine. It's a form of self-preoccupation disguised as humility, preventing us from seeing God's pleasure in our lives.

Essential distinctions: Fighting false guilt requires discernment:

• Divine vs. Human Approval: Focus on God's assessment, not human opinion.
• Accurate vs. Inaccurate Self-Assessments: Submit self-evaluations to Scripture and trusted friends.
• Weakness vs. Sin: Don't feel guilty for non-sinful limitations; boast in Christ's power in weakness.
• Temptation vs. Sin: Temptation is not sin; resisting it pleases God.
• Responsibility vs. Concern: Distinguish what is your responsibility from what is God's.
• Principle vs. Practice: Don't feel guilty for not following specific practices if you're upholding the principle.

7. Healthy self-examination is a purposeful, Christ-centered practice, not aimless rumination.

God is not the author of accusation and condemnation of His children.

Renegade reflection. We often fall into unhelpful self-evaluation when tired or discouraged, leading to anxiety and self-condemnation. This "renegade self-reflection" is unproductive and not from God, who is the Father of comfort.

Purposeful approach. Healthy self-examination is a necessary but dangerous duty. To do it well, we must:

• Start with Christ: Approach self-evaluation from the security of the cross.
• Be purposeful: Make it periodic and intentional, not constant or aimless.
• Choose the right time: Avoid it when tired or emotionally fragile.
• Ask for God's help: Pray for the Spirit to search and show you your heart.
• Base it on the Bible: Evaluate based on biblical categories, not comparisons or feelings.
• Look for grace: Identify areas of growth and God's work, not just sin.
• Keep it short: Avoid endless rumination; focus on specific insights.
• Involve others: Seek input from trusted friends for accuracy.
• Confess sins: Let self-examination lead to confession and renewed joy in Christ.
• Focus application: Identify specific, attainable steps for change.

8. Seeing the good (grace) in ourselves is biblical and combats negative self-assessment.

A Christian should not only examine his heart for the evil that is in him, to be humbled; but [also examine his heart for] what good there is, that he may joy and be thankful.

Overlooking grace. Overly introspective people often focus only on weaknesses and failures, overlooking the good God is doing in and through them. This leads to thoughts like "That was pathetic" after serving, even when God is pleased.

God's pleasure. The book argues that God takes pleasure in the daily obedience and service of his children. He is not constantly displeased with us. Our lives, though imperfect, are fundamentally pleasing to him in Christ. We should be aware of and thankful for the "daily moments of divine pleasure."

Biblical examples. Scripture encourages us to see grace in ourselves, not for boasting in self, but for thanking God. Paul often pointed out the faith, love, obedience, and gifts in believers' lives (Romans 16:19, Colossians 1:4-5, Philippians 2:12, 1 Corinthians 1:5, 2 Corinthians 8:7, 1 Thessalonians 4:1, 9-10). Saints in Scripture also acknowledged God's grace and their own integrity (Acts 23:1, 1 Corinthians 15:10, 1 Timothy 1:12).

God sees your work. God does not overlook your work and love shown for his name (Hebrews 6:10). Jesus knows your works (Revelation 2-3). Even small acts of obedience and growth are precious to him. Learning to see this grace in the mirror leads to gratitude and combats the self-pity of focusing only on flaws.

9. A deep awareness of sin, viewed through the cross, leads to greater joy in Christ.

For the Christian’s peace and joy are not and cannot be grounded in himself, but in Christ alone.

Sin awareness is biblical. Some teaching minimizes sin in the Christian life, but Scripture consistently highlights remaining sin and the need for repentance (James 3:2, 4:8, Hebrews 3:12, 12:1, Matthew 6:12). The New Testament is full of commands implying imperfection.

Sin awareness enhances joy. A deep sense of our sinfulness, when viewed through the lens of the cross, does not lead to despair but to greater love and joy in Christ. As B.B. Warfield argued against the "Higher Life Movement," Christian joy comes from dissatisfaction with self and satisfaction with Christ. The more we see our ill-desert, the more magnificent Christ's salvation appears.

Confession leads to joy. Confessing our sins, both known and unknown, is essential (Psalm 32:5, Proverbs 28:13, 1 John 1:9). This is not morbid introspection but a path to forgiveness and rejoicing. As Ezekiel 36:31 shows, a new heart includes loathing ourselves for sin, but this is coupled with God's abundant blessing and removal of disgrace.

Grace is greater. When dealing with persistent guilt, remember Christ's finished work, his intercession, and God's promise to remove our transgressions. "Cheer up; you're worse than you think, but you are more loved by Jesus than you can imagine." God's grace is boundless and conquers our sin and misery.

10. True joy and freedom are found not in self-absorption, but in self-forgetfulness.

“There is joy in self-forgetfulness.”

The burden of self-consciousness. Constant self-consciousness is a heavy weight. Like Helen Keller finding hope in self-forgetfulness or J. Alfred Prufrock paralyzed by anxiety about how others perceive him, being trapped in thoughts about self hinders joy and connection.

Escaping the courtroom. Tim Keller highlights that gospel-humility means we stop connecting every experience to ourselves. We stop living in the "courtroom of human opinions" and even the "courtroom of self-judgment." What others think, and even what we think of ourselves, is "a very small thing" compared to God's judgment in Christ.

The art of losing yourself. We are made to be absorbed in things outside ourselves. Joy comes from focusing on:

• Worship: Being captivated by God's glory, not our feelings.
• Love: Losing ourselves in serving and delighting in others.
• Art: Being drawn into beauty and creativity outside ourselves.
• Sports: Experiencing the thrill of competition, not paralyzed by performance anxiety.
• Preaching/Service: Focusing on God and the people, not self-presentation.
• Work: Engaging in something larger than personal advancement.

Childlike wonder. Children often experience the joy of self-forgetfulness, being absorbed in play and the world around them. This is part of what Jesus meant by becoming like little children. True enjoyment is going outside oneself, not being imprisoned within.

11. Looking outward to God's creation helps pull us out of ourselves.

The ferns and the rabbits, the streams and the trouts, the fir trees and the squirrels, the primroses and the violets, the farm-yard, the new-mown hay, and the fragrant hops—these are the best medicine for hypochondriacs, the surest tonics for the declining, the best refreshments for the weary.

Creation's remedy. Charles Spurgeon, who battled depression, found solace and perspective in nature. He argued that neglecting the beauty of the created world contributes to heavy souls and self-absorption. Creation is a remedy beckoning us to health and joy.

God's glory declared. The world is "charged with the grandeur of God." Creation is not silent; it constantly declares God's glory, power, and divine nature (Romans 1:20, Psalm 19). This "general revelation" is clear, universal, and meant to draw us out of ourselves to worship the Creator.

Experiencing creation. We can combat introspection and grow in godliness by engaging with creation:

• Experience "the wonder of the commonplace": Cultivate childlike fascination with everyday beauty.
• Receive God's gifts with thanksgiving: Recognize that everything good is from God and meant to be enjoyed gratefully (1 Timothy 4:4, 6:17).
• Use creation to grow in godliness: Learn from lilies (trust), ants (diligence), ostriches (humility), etc.
• Value creativity and imagination: Engage in or appreciate the arts as reflections of God's creative glory.

12. Community is God's gift to draw us out of self and into love and service.

How much larger your life would be if your self could become smaller in it; if you could really look at other men with common curiosity and pleasure; if you could see them walking as they are in their sunny selfishness and their virile indifference!

Entangled in self. Like J. Alfred Prufrock, introspection can entangle us in ourselves, leading to isolation and inability to truly love. We become preoccupied with how others see us or fear being known, retreating into a shell.

Community's freedom. Relationships are God's design to pull us outward. Realizing that others are often as focused on themselves as we are can be a painful but freeing step towards taking genuine interest in them. The gospel empowers us to move from self-focus to focusing on the interests of others, just as Christ did (Philippians 2:3-8).

Life in the church. The local church is a primary place where God uses community to combat introspection:

• A place of safety: We can be vulnerable, confess sins, and have burdens borne by others (Galatians 6:2, James 5:16).
• A place of belonging: Being part of the body of Christ reminds us we are not alone and need each other (1 Corinthians 12).
• A place of service: Opportunities to love, give, and serve others draw us out of self-preoccupation (Acts 20:35, 2 Corinthians 12:15).

It is grace. Community is a gift of grace. Though introspective people may naturally withdraw, God uses relationships to minimize our significance to ourselves and increase the significance of others. This is not about personality preference but about recognizing our need and God's design for mutual love and service.

Last updated: May 4, 2025