Counsel #4 — Embrace Self-Awareness

Picture: Counsel #4 — Embrace Self-AwarenessCMH 70.1

The journey to a more positive self-image begins with introspection. Take time to honestly assess your strengths, weaknesses, values, and passions. Journaling, personality tests, and seeking feedback from trusted individuals can aid in this exploration. This self-awareness empowers you to identify areas for growth as well as celebrate your unique God-given strengths and talents.^{[73]https://www.adventist.org/spiritual-gifts-and-ministries/}CMH 70.2

“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:5-8 NKJVCMH 70.3

“God has not given talents to merely a chosen few, but to everyone He has committed some peculiar gift to be used in His service…. Sympathy and affection are talents to be sacredly guarded and improved, that we may render service to Him whose purchased possession we are. All that we are or can be belongs to God. Education, discipline, and skill in every line should be used for Him.” Ellen White in Our High Calling, p. 289CMH 70.4

Reflect: Do you find it challenging to honestly assess your strengths and weaknesses? How can you reconcile these feelings with the knowledge that God Himself has given you specific talents to use for Him?CMH 70.5