Self-Examination

 

 

AN EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE

 

The purpose of any examination of conscience is not so much to identify and court infractions of law.  Rather it is a serious attempt to understand our own attitudes toward ourselves, God and other people.

 

None of us is perfect.  We are all sinners.  All of us come before the Lord with attitudes and actions which betray some selfishness to love.  Discovering the roots of our sin will allow us to open our hearts to God and ask not only his forgiveness but his courage to reform and renew our daily lives.

 

The following set of question may help you look at your life and understand a little better where sin is and how you can become more like the Lord Jesus.

 

SELF EXAMINATION

 

The only impediment to our relationship with God is Sin.  It’s a good idea to examine our lives, especially our lifestyles, to look for ways that we draw away from God.

 

My Life with God…………

 

1. Do I think of God during the day and talk to him in my own words?  Or, do I think of God only on Sunday or when a crisis strikes?

 

1. Do I pray regularly?  Or, do I pray only when I need some favor or fear some catastrophe?
    
2. Do I make a serious effort to participate in the Mass?  Or, do I attend only out of habit and fear 
    
3. Am I trying to learn about God through reading, attending education courses, pondering His mysteries?  Or, am I content to live an adult life with a child’s understanding of my faith?  But remember, faith or trusting must be like that of a little child; “Grow up to be a child”!
    
4. Do I have confidence in God during times of trouble?  Or, do I turn to every other source of help, even psychics and horoscopes, instead of relying on my Father?
    
5. Do other people respect and love God because of the life I lead?  Or, is my life a scandal and a contradiction to those whose faith is weak?
    
6. Is God becoming more real in my life, a friend, Someone with whom I feel at home and comfortable?

 

My Life with Others…………….

1. Am I honestly and sincerely able to say I love my neighbor as I love myself?
    
2. Am I kind and attentive to those around me, especially my own family and the people with whom I work?
    
3. Do I try to dominate other people – use little tricks to force them to do things my own way?
    
4. Am I selfish in my love?  Do I try to monopolize others, fearing that their love for others diminishes their love for me?
    
5. Do I willingly share what I have with other people, especially with members of my own family?
    
6. Do I argue over money?
    
7. Do I readily respond to the needs of others in my family?
    
8. Am I sensitive t the needs of my spouse for affection, love, and tenderness?
    
9. Am I honest in my conversations with others?  Do I exaggerate in order to appear more important than I am?
    
10. Do I respect other people regardless of their race, position, or ethnic background?
     
11. Do I look for ways to help other people, even those I do not like to be with?
    

     

12. Do I associate only with those whose friendship might be helpful to me?  Am I social climber?
     
13. Am I learning to value my own sexuality and that of others?  Do I ever exploit others’ need for love and affection in order to please myself?
     
14. Do I care for my own parents?
     
15. Do I respect all who bear the burden of leadership in both the secular and religious worlds?
     
16. Am I honest in my business dealings, in paying my debts, in my shopping habits?
     
17. Am I understanding of the faults and oddities of others?
     
18. Have I been obedient?
     
19. Have I talked idly about the faults of others?
     
20. Have I thought about the poor and done my best to help them?
     
21. Have I used the talents God gave me to promote justice and compassion in the world?